QUICHARD, ROLAND. – Theologian and preacher of the Order of Minims, born at Étampes near Paris in 1528, died at Lyon on 26 June 1612. A nephew of G. Simon (q.v.), he emulated his virtues and apostolic life.
Having professed the Rule of the Minims in Paris in 1554, he served twice as provincial of Lyon and later as general visitor.
A champion of the faith, he frequently disputed with heretics, many of whom he brought back to the true faith. Yet he suffered severe persecution: he was twice given poison. At Lyon he was cast among the plague-stricken with the intention of causing his death; the servant of God took advantage of the situation to console the sick by administering the sacraments to them; and, having contracted the disease, he was providentially healed. The heretics, however, did not relent: they even went so far as to condemn him to death on the gridiron like St Lawrence, but once again he miraculously escaped. Endowed with supernatural gifts, he died in a reputation for holiness, and his name is inscribed in the Index of Saints of Lyon.