Vicar and successor of the Holy Curé
“We can say that his priestly life is summed up entirely in these two words: gentleness and humility” noted the Journal de l’Ain after the death of Abbot Toccanier. Son of a winegrower from Seyssel (Ain), Joseph Toccanier was born on November 3, 1822.
Initially a worker on the family farm, young Joseph went to Belley to join the Marist Fathers for his studies. There he met as superior Father Jean-Claude Colin, founder of the Society of Mary, and fellow student of Jean-Marie Vianney at the seminary. In 1839, Father Pierre-Julien Eymard joined the college as director. In 1844, after having benefited from these two masters, he entered the Belley seminary.
Ordained priest in July 1847, he was first sent as vicar to Montluel, then he reached the newly created diocesan missionaries.
Vicar residing in Ars
In September 1853, he was appointed resident vicar in Ars, near Mr. Vianney.
Taking over from Mr. Raymond, the new vicar contrasted with the old one: “I placed Mr. Toccanier with Mr. Vianney because he is full of heart, devoted and has a very conciliatory character,” said Mr. Superior camelet of the missionaries.
Until the death of Mr. Vianney in 1859, Father Toccanier remained faithfully close to the Curé of Ars. Arriving on a Saturday, Mr. Vianney took advantage of this new vicar to try to leave the next day. This was the last “flight” of the Holy Curé; but it was he, Abbot Toccanier, who ultimately made this attempt fail.
Charity and benevolence
The new vicar will provide multiple services, but above all a fraternal and charitable presence; Mr. Vianney will say one day “O my friend, I have only known what charity is since I have had you with me”.
He watched over his holy priest with all his benevolence and goodness. It was he who in 1854 organized the celebration of December 8, the day of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception; Mr. Vianney will remember it fondly: “How beautiful! how beautiful ! “. Very quickly also Mr. Toccanier will also become the true confidant of his priest; innumerable are the sentences or words preserved by the vicar.
After the death of the Saint Curé in 1859, the bishop wanted to name him successor to the cure of Ars. Faced with the latter’s refusal, he only became a “vicar administrator” alongside Mr. Camelet, but ultimately the only one residing in Ars.
Build a beautiful church
In the list of successors of the holy Curé, he therefore ultimately holds first place. He will try to implement Mr. Vianney’s desire, to build a beautiful church. The last years of his life will be marked by multiple steps to build, but especially to find funds. “Courage my friend! » Mr. Vianney had told him before dying.
It took his vicar who became his successor; finally the choir of the building was consecrated in 1865. It was also he who had the statue of St. Philomena erected at the entrance to Ars in 1881.
25 days after the death of Catherine Lassagne, on Sunday November 7, 1883, aged 61, he fell asleep in peace
Extract from the Annales d’Ars n° 323[nov-déc 2009] .
