SOULAS, ANDRÉ. — Priest, founder of the Sisters of Our Lord for the care of the sick, born at Viols-le-Fort (diocese of Montpellier) on 25 February 1808, died at Montpellier on 4 May 1857.
Already as a seminarian he distinguished himself by his effective and persuasive skill in speaking to his companions and to the people; consequently, he was immediately entrusted with catechizing those preparing for their first Communion and with preaching in certain institutions. Ordained a priest in 1835, after a brief period of ministry at Salvetat, he was called to Montpellier and entrusted with the missions in the diocese, in which the fruit gathered surpassed all expectations. Later he also travelled throughout the south of France preaching. For the benefit of the sick, he wished to found a Congregation, which the bishop approved in 1845 and which began with two novices under the direction of Virginia Montegnol de Cavillac. As vocations increased, the apostolic programme was also broadened, adding to the care of the sick that of orphan girls, who were also to be educated in work, of nursing infants and children, and perpetual adoration. S. also revived with great zeal the association of diocesan missionaries, which he had found reduced to only a few members. His cause of beatification was introduced on 14 December 1914.