Jacques, Ignace, Marie, Joseph Sevin was born in Lille on December 7, 1882, and was baptized the very next day, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. He died in Boran-sur-Oise on July 19, 1951, at the conclusion of a Mass, holding his crucifix and saying, “He is my companion!”
He was proclaimed Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on May 10, 2012, with the promulgation of the decree recognizing the heroic nature of the virtues of this Servant of God. What remains for the beatification of Venerable Father Jacques Sevin is the recognition of a miracle through his intercession. He is considered the father of Catholic Scouting for having adapted Robert Baden-Powell’s method to Christian values.
« L’Appel du gosse » is a poem by Father Sevin in which a child expresses his desire to become a Scout in order to escape mediocrity and find meaning in his life.
In 2026, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the return to the Father’s house of Venerable Father Jacques Sevin. Are we still listening to the voice of the child?
Prayer for the Beatification of Venerable Jacques Sevin
O God, You placed in the heart of Your servant Jacques Sevin the burning desire to “wear himself out completely” for Your Love and for the love of youth.
Thus, You willed that within the Catholic Church young people might grow, united throughout the world by the Scout Promise and Law.
You inspired him to found the Institute of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem for the expansion of Your Kingdom and the salvation of the youth of the whole world. Grant us the same generous love in prayer, welcome, and service to young people, so as to lead them to You…
And if it pleases You, deign to glorify here on earth Your servant Jacques by granting us, through his intercession, the graces we implore. Amen.