Rev. J. B. Lemius, O.M.I.

Rev. J. B. Lemius, O.M.I. (19th–20th century), was a French Oblate of Mary Immaculate and a renowned theologian, best known for his Catechism on Modernism. This work was a clear and accessible exposition of Pope St. Pius X’s landmark encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis (1907), which condemned the errors of Modernism—a synthesis of heresies undermining Catholic doctrine.

In his Catechism on Modernism, Fr. Lemius employed a question-and-answer format to explain the complex theological issues addressed in the encyclical, making it comprehensible for clergy and laypeople alike. His work was instrumental in educating Catholics about the dangers of Modernist thought, which sought to reinterpret Church teachings in light of secular philosophies and modern science.

Fr. Lemius’s dedication to preserving the integrity of Catholic doctrine aligned with his role as a missionary and teacher within the Oblate community. His contributions to the anti-Modernist efforts of the early 20th century were highly valued, and his Catechism on Modernism remains a significant resource for those studying the Church’s response to theological and philosophical challenges of the modern age.