The date is approaching, and Daniel is reluctant to talk about it. He worked with Father Olivier every day. Olivier Maire was the provincial superior of the Montfortian missionaries, Brother Daniel was in charge of their communication. In the morning, they took their breakfast in community with the others, worked together, lived in adjoining rooms.
When Father Olivier died, Daniel no longer slept. When he couldn’t sleep after hours of insomnia, the 77-year-old brother took his headlamp and went for a run. At dawn, there was no one around, just birds and “it was singing everywhere”. Only then did Daniel – he insists on being called by his first name – feel at ease. After the tragedy “the fuses held like that”, thanks to the mind of the long-distance runner.
“Life went on, and he was there”
A year ago to the day, Father Olivier Maire, 60, died. Faithful to the welcoming vocation of his congregation founded in 1705, the latter had lodged at the Montfortian house, for several months, Emmanuel Abayisenga, his presumed murderer. This Rwandan asylum seeker is also suspected of having set fire to the cathedral of Nantes, in July 2020. A year later, in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, despite the violence of the drama, people do not talk about the assassin. From Father Olivier, on the other hand, we retain above all life.
In September 2021, the Montfortian family maintained its pilgrimage to Lourdes. The great annual meeting of the spiritual family of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort was able to take place, with the Montfort missionaries, the Daughters of Wisdom, the brothers of Saint-Gabriel, but also the Marian fraternity, made up of lay people . Father Olivier had participated in preparing this pilgrimage, and the Montfortians followed scrupulously what he had planned. His parents also came. “Life went on and he was there”, remembers Father Ronel Charélus, parish rector of the sanctuary of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre.
A Void in the Montfortian Family
When, in November, the mayor Éric Couderc of the commune of 3,700 inhabitants renamed the small square in front of the basilica with the name of the late priest, his parents and brothers returned to Saint-Laurent. They stayed with the Montfortians. They “were always afraid of disturbing”, remembers Daniel, who reassured them. It is as if they were part of the family: together they supported each other.
Last October and June, concerts paid homage to the musician priest who played the organ. Brother Daniel saw that his friend was appreciated, that he “did a hell of a job” and that him “raised morale”.
However, among the Montfortians, Father Olivier Maire left a great void. He was one of those who knew best the spirituality of the founder, whose tomb is in the basilica of the city. He gave conferences, led retreats or training sessions. People still remember his homilies, especially his last, the day before his death, on the Eucharist. Father Olivier spoke brilliantly, without notes, he wrote nothing. “The library was in his skull”, remembers Brother Daniel.
“Give us a hand from up there!” »
Since his death, in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, daily life has not changed much. Everyone tried to do what they had to do, as best they could. Of course, at first “we were dragging our feet”, remembers Sister Dorothée, who knew Father Olivier well. The first weeks after her death, this nun from the Institute of Militants of the Blessed Virgin could no longer think. “You are with God, you will help me”she then asked the priest.
At the rosary, at 6 p.m., she often met Brother Daniel, and together they talked about it. In the discussions everyone forgot his pain a little to support the others. Daniel also often spoke to Father Olivier. “Lend a hand, from above, do something!” »he said.
Sister Dorothée followed Brother Daniel’s advice, certain now that Father Olivier had not left for “stay idly by”. In her prayers, she was able to forgive the alleged killer. Today, when she thinks of Father Olivier, she no longer worries: he is a ” traveling companion “.
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An investigation still ongoing
Father Olivier Maire, 60, was found dead in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre on Monday August 9, 2021. The autopsy revealed that he had died as a result of “violent blows” carried to the head.
The alleged murderer, Emmanuel Abayisenga, also suspected of having set fire to Nantes Cathedral on July 18, 2020, was hosted by the Montfortians. He had reported to the gendarmerie on the morning of August 9.
His psychological state did not allow his hearing in police custody, the suspect had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Judicial information for “assassination” was opened on August 19, 2021 and the investigation is ongoing.
A year after his death, Father Olivier Maire is “still there”