Bervanger Martin De

Bervanger Martin De a Roman prelate and philanthropist, was born at Sarrelouis, May 15, 1795. He was at first vicar in his native city. After having concurred in the work of St. Joseph founded by the abbot Larenbruck, he created the institution of St. Nicholas, intended for the instruction of children who were obliged to live by their own labor. This work, inspired by Christian charity, was at first very small. The first establishment of this kind was in 1837, in an attic in the suburbs of St. Marceau, attended by seven children, who made good progress. It required a great deal of patience and labor to bring the institution to a successful issue. This work of M. de Bervanger remains, and is one of the most useful imaginable. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.