You will find in the Monastery School’s library, here at the Catholic Kingdom, an old book entitled "The Holy Man of Tours." (Right-click and choose "Save Link As", "Save Target As", or something similar to download the book.) It tells the remarkable, inspiring, and at times humorous, story of an ordinary layman by the name of Leo Dupont (1797-1876). Although his own saintly life is worthy of admiration, the main cause for Leo’s fame throughout the world is because of his devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus and the countless miracles he obtained by it. So renowned was he in fact for this, that the pope declared Leo Dupont to be possibly the greatest miracle worker in the history of the Church. Learn more about this powerful devotion at the Cathedral in our Devotions that can Save your Soul #7 - Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus. (Click to go to the Devotions.)

There is one particular incident in Leo Dupont’s life, long before he knew the holy mission in store for him, that is both edifying and appropriate for this sacrificial season of Lent. It is a wonderful example of how Catholics are called to live their Faith in every circumstance, no matter the opinions of those around them.

As a youth in his early twenties, Leo spent his college years in Paris. Less than fifty years after the devastatingly destructive French revolution, the society of Leo Dupont’s time and the universities that he mingled in were much like the world today. The social atmosphere breathed of a carelessness, disdain, and even hatred for the Catholic Faith. Those who wanted to succeed in life were pressured to join in the mockery and outright rebellion towards God, or to hide their Faith as if it were a shameful disease.

Leo Dupont, coming from a wealthy family, was part of the Parisian upper class. With his lively disposition and brilliant wit, young Leo was extremely popular. He seemed to be always seen in the most fashionable dress, and his distinguished manners were the final touch to the qualities that enabled him to move in the highest circles of society.

Yet the world’s alluring welcome did not deceive Leo. He saw and sensed quite clearly that, while his natural talents were praised, his Catholic Faith was unwanted. All around him, Leo saw his Catholic friends and acquaintances falling prey to social pressure. So many students at the university either renounced their Faith entirely, or else crept to Church in secret, as if it were a disgrace to acknowledge themselves to be a practicing Catholic.

But among all his other qualities, the greatest blessing Leo possessed was strength of character. He would not be ashamed of his Faith. Did the elite of Paris enjoy having the brilliant and popular Leo Dupont in their high and distinguished circles? Then they must know that their most fashionable member was nothing less than a staunch Catholic, who did not fear to publicly practice his Faith. So, with a touch of his mischievous wit, young Dupont devised a way to demonstrate this truth to everyone.

It was Friday. Not a particularly special day of the week, except for a true Catholic’s meals. To not eat meat on Friday, a simple sacrifice in honor of Our Lord’s Passion, was a clear and current Church discipline of the time. Yet, this was just one of many precepts that was commonly ignored and ridiculed by the "intelligent, free man".

So, one Friday evening, at one of the most popular and packed restaurants in Paris, in walked the stylish Leo Dupont with a few close friends. They were hard to miss, and instantly recognized by many. That was Leo’s intention.

Seating themselves at the most prominent table the restaurant could offer, Leo and his friends slowly eyed their menus. You could almost feel the curious stare and grinning pride of their classmates and professors, who instinctively felt honored at choosing their meal in the same restaurant as the dashing Leo Dupont.

But their pride was soon turned into humiliation, as they heard Leo loudly order his fashionable dinner for all to hear.

"Fish!"

His friends likewise ordered the same delightful entrée, adding such things as salad, or fruit. But in all their requests – there was absolutely no meat. It was Friday, they were Catholic, they would not eat meat that day, and everyone could know about it!

As much as Leo enjoyed setting so bold an example, it was a daring thing to do. He was exposing himself to the ridicule of the upper class of Paris. His reputation, his education and his career could suffer from this. Leo understood all of that, and was not worried. God came first and he would boldly proclaim his Faith in front of a godless society.

But his message was not just for the atheists and anti-Catholics. Leo Dupont and his friends hoped, by their example, to inspire the weak Catholics, who knew better, to do the right thing. So, one Friday after another, Mr. Dupont and company could be found in one of any of Paris’ highest class restaurants. Every time – their fashionable dinner was entirely meatless. And before long, their courage had its desired effect.

Slowly, their college companions began to wonder: if the popular Leo Dupont could call out loudly for fish on Fridays, why shouldn’t they do the same? One by one, the meat orders on Friday began to diminish. Catholic students from the greatest universities in France had a sure and bold model they could imitate and follow. After all, why should they fear to stand up for a Faith that was so staunchly and so 'fashionably' defended by one of the most brilliant men in all of Paris?