PAPIN-DUPONT (Léon). - Lot 234

PAPIN-DUPONT (Léon). Le Lamentin (Martinique), 1797 – Tours, 1876 A leading figure in the Catholic revival of the 19th century, an ardent advocate of the reparatory cult and devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, nicknamed “the man of the Holy Face.” Autograph letter signed “P. Dupont” to “Mademoiselle” Tours, November 30, 1861 1 page, in-8 format, autograph address on the reverse, postmarks, folded. Tear in the upper left corner without damage to the text. A particularly interesting letter of a devotional and quasi-miraculous nature. In it, Papin-Dupont sends his correspondent “four small vials of oil taken from the lamp that burns before the Holy Face,” specifying how they are to be used: “Anoint the affected area—give only one vial to the sick person—that is more than enough, since this is a matter of faith!” This document directly attests to the spiritual practices and beliefs surrounding devotion to the Holy Face, of which Papin-Dupont was one of the principal promoters. The lamp oil, renowned for its spiritual and healing properties, is part of a context of popular religiosity and reparatory piety characteristic of the 19th century. A beautiful letter with a handwritten address on the reverse and visible postmarks, despite minor damage to the margins.