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French Vincentian priest Father Pierre-Marie Bos (ordained 1858, in Brazil from 1859) first dreamed of placing a statue of Christ atop Rio’s Corcovado Mountain. His 1903 poem envisioned the Redeemer blessing the city. Though he died in 1916, his vision inspired the 1920–1931 campaign that built the iconic Christ the Redeemer, fulfilling his prophetic dream.
Alberto Capellán Zuazo (1888–1965), was a Spanish layman, husband and father, nocturnal adorer, and member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. His fervent Eucharistic devotion took shape in radical charity, especially in the “Recogimiento” shelter. A model of lay holiness, he united contemplation and action in daily life.
Egidio Bullesi (1905–1929), a young worker from Istria, lived his faith with Franciscan joy, Vincentian charity, and apostolic zeal through Catholic Action and scouting. Amid war, exile, and industrial labor, he showed holiness was possible in daily life. His death from tuberculosis crowned a life of joyful surrender to God, inspiring youth and the needy today.
Brother René Stockman recalls the life of Brother Dominique Munyurangabo, a Rwandan Brother of Charity, gifted teacher, spiritual guide, and cherished friend. Known for his humility, wisdom, and deep faith, Dominique devoted himself to education and service. In 1994, he was murdered during the genocide against the Tutsi, facing death peacefully with his rosary in hand.
After Fr. Nicolle’s death, the Archconfraternity flourished, with many miracles and conversions linked to the Holy Agony medal and Chaplet. His legacy endures through those who continue his mission of consoling Christ and guiding souls to Him.
In his final years, Fr. Nicolle continued his spiritual work in Albi and Montolieu, guiding others despite declining health. He died in 1890, leaving a legacy of prayer, sacrifice, and deep devotion to Christ’s agony.
Fr. Antoine Nicolle founded the Sisters of Charity of the Holy Agony to live out the Archconfraternity’s mission through prayer and service to the dying. After a split with the original community, he reestablished a faithful group and guided it until his death.
In 1861, Father Antoine Nicolle founded the Archconfraternity of the Holy Agony to support the Church, the Pope, and the dying through devotion to Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane. Rapidly approved and globally embraced, it became a well-organized spiritual movement rooted in the Vincentian tradition.
Antoine-Hippolyte Nicolle, shaped by early suffering and profound faith, grew into a Vincentian priest whose life was marked by spiritual depth, missionary zeal, and unwavering devotion to the Virgin Mary. His legacy includes renewing the Valfleury sanctuary and founding the Archconfraternity of the Holy Agony to pray for the dying.
