Shreveport Martyr Father Jean Pierre - by White & William Ryan Smith & Peter Bolton Mangum (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Father Jean Pierre, a missionary priest from Brittany, France, answered a call to serve in sparsely populated Shreveport, where he chose to remain when a yellow fever epidemic struck in 1873. From a perspective told largely through his own words, Father Pierre provides the reader a glimpse of his "fearful steps strengthened by hope." His unique insights extend even to the secular history, framing the development of Shreveport and the surrounding region in the middle of the nineteenth century. Gradually emerging as someone widely respected and admired for his intellect and ability, Father Pierre's story culminated in a heroic choice to sacrifice his life in the service of strangers when the epidemic ravaged the city. A trio of authors celebrates the life of this Shreveport martyr.

Review Quotes

This narrative makes the old present among the new and brings life to Fr. Jean Pierre's story of human persistence in duty to God and fellow man.

--Reverend Duane C. Trombetta, Pastor, Holy Trinity Catholic Church

About the Author

Very Reverend Peter B. Mangum, JCL, is pastor of the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd in Monroe, Louisiana. He serves as the Episcopal delegate for the Cause of Canonization and Beatification for the Shreveport Martyrs. This is the third book he has coauthored on their lives. W. Ryan Smith serves as the director of hospital operations at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. He is the author of Sang Pour Sang, a historical fiction novel published by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press, and this is his fourth title with The History Press. Cheryl H. White, PhD, is a professor of history at Louisiana State University at Shreveport. She serves as the chair of the Historical Commission for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization for the Shreveport Martyrs. This is her seventh book to be published with The History Press.