Raoul Follereau 

Raoul Follereau [1903-1977] was a French poet, philosopher, journalist and most significantly, an anti-leprosy campaigner and the instigator of World Leprosy Day which is celebrated each year on the last Sunday of January. In the pre-Vatican II council days, the readings at this Sunday Mass referred to the healing of a person with leprosy. Servant of God, Raoul Follereau was inspired to fight for leprosy sufferers by encountering the life of St Charles Foucauld and together with his wife Madeleine he is now a candidate for sainthood himself. Their joint canonisation process has been formally opened in France. Raoul Follereau is an example of a lay married person who took his Christian responsibilities joyfully and enthusiastically and who together with his wife accomplish great works for the glory of God and the benefit of humanity. He always maintained that without Madeleine at his side he would not be able to achieve all that he did. That and great Faith.

Raoul Follereau with St Marianne of Cope.