Name: Dion, John Peter
Born: 07/22/1807
Place Drougas, Rennes, France
Ordained: 05/25/1837
Place Ordained: Rennes, France
Years of Service: 1845-1896
Died: 04/01/1896
Place Died: Highlands, St. Vincent Orphanage, Vincennes, Indiana
Burial Info: St. Vincent dePaul Orphanage Cemetery, Vincennes, Indiana
Notes:
John P. Dion was born at Drouges, in the Diocese of Rennes, France, on the 22d of July, 1807. At the college of Vitre, of which Rev. M. Jeallsion, a near relative of Bishop Brute, was vice- president, he distinguished himself as a talented and diligent student. Two years and six months he served in the French armies; was promoted to the grade of corporal, but left the army to avoid further promotions. He entered the seminary at Rennes towards the close of 1835. He was ordained priest on May 25, 1839, and celebrated his first mass on the following day, the day on which St. Alphons Liguori was canonized. For six years and two months he labored zealously in the parish of Domagne. During a sickness at the seminary, he vowed to serve on the foreign missions for thirty- three years, if his life were spared him. When Bishop Brute visited France for the last time, Father Dion was so moved by the appearance of the Holy Bishop, that he resolved to follow him to Indiana. However, he could not obtain the permission until, 1843, when Bishop de la Hailandiere succeeded in obtaining his valuable services for his Diocese of Vincennes. He has since always been “in good health and ih good humor,” laboring zealously for God’s glory and man’s salvation. In 1845 he was six months at Lanesville, Harrison county. Until 1848, at St. Thomas and St. Rose, Knox county. From 1848 to 1852, at Lanesville, Harrison county. From 1852 to 1858, at Leopold, Perry county. From 1858 to 1861, at St. Bernard’s, Harrison county. From 1861 to 1863, at Cannelton, Perry county. From 1863 to 1866, at Leopold, Perry county. From 1866 to 1881, at St. Croix, Perry county. In 1881, for a short time chaplain at the hospital in Evansville. Since 1881, pastor of Highland and chaplain of the Boys’ Orphan Asylum. 1