SEASONAL WORKERS: THE CHIMNEY SWEEPS

The houses in the city itself were usually five storied buildings, heated by fireplaces which required tall chimneys, which were covered with soot. Young boys came from the Savoy region to clean these chimneys as seasonal workers. They were known as “Petits Savoyards” and avoided by people because they were always dirty.

Bishop de Mazenod wrote about the response of some of the young men of the diocese who cared for the material and spiritual needs of these poor boys.

There are also among these young people, souls touched by noble sentiments who are worthy of being witnesses of a brighter future, who take care of the little Savoyards who have come down from their mountains to find among us the bread that will feed them during the winter.

They protect them, they guide them, they instruct them every day in the elements of the faith, they come to their aid in their needs, and they prepare them to make their first communion in a dignified manner in order to continue to protect them, to help them and to instruct them.

Pastoral letter of Bishop de Mazenod to the Diocese of Marseilles for Lent 1847

Eugene initially brought them into his house, where his nephew taught them catechism and then fed them. As their numbers grew, it became clear that an Association had to be started to look after them. Bishop Eugene initiated this anf entrusted them to one of his priests to look after. In his Diary, we find references to the great consolation of the Bishop whenever he gave these boys communion and confirmation.

REFLECTION

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him. The people who give you their food give you their heart.”

Cesar Chavez