L'abbé Glatigny (1874 - 1938)

The history of 20th-century Mont-Cauvaire remains inseparable from a singular and radiant figure: Abbé Louis Glatigny. Born in 1874 in Doudeville, this son of the Pays de Caux carries within him the wit and geniality of his native soil. Ordained as a priest in 1898, he joins the commune in October 1908 to undertake a dual mission that defines his life: chaplain of the prestigious Collège de Normandie and parish priest.

The Avant-Garde Educator 

For nearly thirty years, Glatigny is the soul of the College. A remarkably cultivated man and a fine man of letters, he helps establish that atmosphere of trust, cordiality, and liberalism for which the establishment is renowned. In his classroom, he breathes astonishing life into his lessons, dissecting texts with communicative ardor and spirit. His pen, as agile as his speech, composes sonnets of great moral elevation or witty songs for local festivals. For the students, he is a guide whose advice is sought long after their studies end.

The Pastor of the Peasant Soul 

The Abbé never neglects his flock. His rural background allows him to perfectly understand and appreciate the peasant soul of Mont-Cauvaire. His smiling geniality and immense kindness win him the sympathy of all, reaching far beyond the parish boundaries. An elite priest, he nevertheless remains deeply modest, refusing to leave his "hermitage" for higher destinies, even though he is named Honorary Chaplain of the Metropolis. He also focuses on beautifying his church, installing four statues modelled by one of his artist friends to adorn the nave.

A Witness to History 

The man of faith also serves his Country. During the Great War, he is mobilised as a nurse, providing care in Le Havre with devotion. Back in the village, he works closely with Mayor Placide Alexandre to organise remembrance ceremonies and the inauguration of the war memorial. For him, the union between the College and the parish is a constant priority.

A Springtime Departure 

Illness eventually catches up with this tireless worker, who is forced to leave the college in 1935. He passes away on 16 March 1938, on the first day of spring—a symbol for this man who loved his woods and garden so dearly. His memory remains engraved as a symbol of justice and harmony. His tomb in the Bonsecours cemetery perpetuate the memory of the man who was, for three decades, "everyone's friend".