Ferdinand Toussaint. Francois Chatel
Ferdinand Toussaint. Francois Chatel [1]
a French schismatic, was born at Ganlnat, in Bourbonnais, Jan. 9, 1795. He learned the trade of a tailor, but was afterwards sent by his pastor to the seminary of Mont - Ferrand. After studying theology among the Sulpicians, Chatel received the tonsure at the age of twenty, was ordained a few months after. and made subdeacon the year following. Some time before the revolution of July, he wrote for le Rbmernateu;, foreshadowing his future innovations. 'Having assembled several discontented priests in his house, he made known to them his projects. He was appointed bishop of the new Church thus formed. The master of the Templars, Fabre-Palaprat, consecrated him in 1831., Chatel's creed was based upon a high profession of regard for Jesus Christ as a man, and the invariable order of law exclusively natural. In- 1842 a decree of police caused the place of the meetings of Chatel to be shut up as, according to the contents of the document, he had uttered but outrages against public morals. In the revolution of 1848 Chatel used his eloquence in behalf of what he termed "oppressed women;" and as orator of the club, presided over by madame Niboyet, he was heard several times pleading for divorce, one of the favorite themes of his convensticles. Chatel finally received an appointment at the post- office. He died Feb. 13, 1857, leaving, Sermon- a l'Ouverture de la Nlouvelle Eglise Fruanaise' (8vo): Profession de Foi de 'Eglise Catholique Francaise, etc. (8vo): — Caechisme' a l'Usage de l'Eglise Catholique Francaise (1833, 8vo):-Le Code de l'Humanit- (18538 8vo):- A la Chambare des Deputes (1843), etc. See Hoefer, -Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Holzapfel, Die Kirche des Abbe Chatel, in the Zeitschriftfuri historische. Thieologie, 1844, ii; Lichteliberger, Encyclop. des Sciences Religieuses, s.v.
