François Bourgoing (priest)

François Bourgoing (1585-1662) was a French Roman Catholic priest, orator, and the third Superior General of the French Oratory. He was born in Paris.

Bourgoing entered the Oratory of Jesus in 1611 and was ordained a priest soon after. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful sermons and spiritual direction. He was noted for his piety, austerity of life, and dedication to the poor.

In 1629, Bourgoing was elected as the third Superior General of the Oratory, succeeding Charles de Condren. During his tenure, which lasted until his death in 1662, he consolidated the Oratory's foundations, emphasizing its commitment to education and spiritual formation. He oversaw the establishment of new Oratorian houses throughout France and worked diligently to promote the order's ideals of priestly holiness and pastoral service. He was a strong advocate for rigor and adherence to the Oratory's rule, emphasizing inner conversion and detachment from worldly ambitions.

Bourgoing also played a significant role in the theological controversies of his time. He was generally considered to be aligned with the Augustinian theological tradition and maintained correspondence with prominent figures associated with Jansenism, although he never explicitly adhered to its more radical tenets. He sought to balance the demands of piety and scholarship, encouraging Oratorians to engage in intellectual pursuits while remaining grounded in spiritual practice. His writings and sermons reflect a concern with interior life, the importance of grace, and the pursuit of holiness. He is considered a significant figure in the history of the French Oratory and the religious life of 17th-century France.