Claude Rey
Claude Rey [1]
a French prelate, was born at Aix, Nov. 27, 1773. In 1800 he concluded his theological studies at the Seminary of St. Sulpice at Paris, and became secretary to the vicar-general. In 1816 he was titular canon of Aix, and prebend in 1821. In consequence of the stand he took concerning the new heads of the State, not considering it necessary to omit mentioning them in the public prayers, of the Church, he was obliged to defend his position by a pamphlet. Notwithstanding this controversy, he was made capitulary vicar-general, Nov. 24, 1830. In 1831 he was appointed bishop of Dijon. This was the first bishop appointed by Louis Philippe, whose claim to the throne was held by the high clergy to be illegitimate. The court of Rome hesitated to confirm the appointment, but finally Gregory XVI preconized Rey, and authorized that he should be consecrated by a single bishop, assisted by two dignitaries. But such was the feeling against the proceeding that for a long time no one would consent to consecrate him. At last the ceremony was performed by the bishop of Carthagena. The episcopacy of Rey lasted for six years, and was a constant contest for the rights of his position. A remonstrance was at last issued against his exercising his public functions, and he was forced to resign. He left Dijon, June 21,1838, and retired to Aix as canon of the Church of St. Denis, where he died, Aug. 17,1858. His writings are, Prieres pour la Consecration d'un Eveque (1808): — Precis Historique de Notre Dame d'Aix (Aix, 1816): — Reflexions sur les Affaires Ecclesiastiques du Diocese de Dijon, etc. — Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.
