From Fr. Donald DonatoMany esoteric groups and Gnostic churches trace their roots to Dr. Bernard-Raymond Fabré-Palaprat, but few people know much of anything about the man. Grand Master of L’Ordre du Temple and Sovereign Pontiff and Patriarch of the Johannite Church, Dr. Fabré-Palaprat was much more than a man in fancy dress.
Ordained a Roman Catholic priest, he became a leading physician and researcher in the new uses of electricity in the field of medicine. A fervent supporter of the arts and sciences, Dr. Fabré-Palaprat’s singular devotion to service is a profile in courage, compassion and dedication. Decorated with France’s highest civilian and military award for his selfless work as a medical doctor during the 1814 siege of Paris, Dr. Fabré-Palaprat’s list of accomplishments stands as the best testament to his appreciation of the indwelling spark of the Divine, the font human dignity.
On Sunday, May 24, 2015, I will be giving a presentation on the incredible life of this extraordinary 19th century Frenchman, to the Conclave of the Apostolic Johannite Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I hope that I will be able to do Dr. Fabré-Palaprat the justice he deserves after a life of such exemplary service to his faith, his country, and to science.