Life is a Blessing
A biography of Jerome Lejeune
Author: Clara Lejeune-Gaymard
Ignatius press, Jerome Lejeune Foundation and The National Catholic Bioethics Centre (Philadelphia)
139 pages
As a medical student in the 70s in Dublin there was a curious, almost unanimous silence, with only one exception, among the medical academic elite about the origin of human life. It seems something similar was happening in one of the cultural and intellectual capitals of the world, although that title may have passed its “use by” date. This stunning biography written by a daughter of Jerome Lejeune describes an atmosphere in Paris at that time which was hostile to scientific truth.
Prof Lejeune won admiration and honours all over the globe. He was the first professor of Genetics in France. He discovered Trisomy 21, the chromosomal disorder responsable for Down’s Syndrome. But because he was against abortion he was ostracized, sidelined and denied a Nobel prize which could have been his.
The description of the hostility, harassment and prejudice against him is well handled and brings out his virtue. He took on the intellectual medical establishment. He did not care what people thought or said or how he was treated. His is a story of courage, fortitude, heroism, leadership and manliness.
Here is a man who has left his mark on medicine in the second half of the 20th century and is relatively unknown. I came across this book by accident. I had heard of him only in connection with the Honorary Doctorate conferred on him by the University of Navarre in Spain by the then Chancellor, now St Josemaria Escriva, in the early 70s. Somebody was aware of who this man was. The truly greats often pass unnoticed.
He founded and was the first president of the Pontifical Academy of Life, started by St John Paul. From 1974 he was a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which gathers the most brilliant scientists from all over the world. The main fields of specialization are represented and more that 40% are Nobel prize winners. Many are not Catholic.
Coupled with his academic achievements is the beautiful story of his marriage to a Danish lady and family life narrated by a first class witness. He was a loving husband and father who managed to juggle all the demands that such a life entails. His spiritual life was his anchor. It rings of Thomas More.That aspect make this book good material for all parents.
Among other interesting details is that he and his wife lunched with St John Paull II on May 13 1981, the day the Pope was shot. He supported a pro life lady doctor to be inducted into the French Academy of Medicine, the first woman to do so since Madame Curie, and the following day the media were strangely silent, what else is new?
It is an inspiring read. All young medics should read it as well as pro life people.
On his passing Charlie Hebdo magazine described him as “an enemy of the worst kind” while recognizing his scientific talent.
His process of beatification was opened in 2007, the diocesan stage has been completed. Let us hope he will one day he named the “patron of scientific truth”.
About the Author: Rev. Conor Donnelly
Fr Conor Donnelly qualified as a medical doctor in University College Dublin in 1977 and worked as a house physician and surgeon for one year at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. He was ordained a priest in 1981 for the Prelature of Opus Dei. He obtained a doctorate in Theology from the University of Pamplona, Spain in 1982. He is at present the chaplain of Kianda School for Girls, Kenya.