Nyel was sent from this hospital to Reims in 1679 by Mme Maillefer.
Engraving by Cabarteux shows “The Rampart” belonging to the general hospital. DLS promised to provide 10 Brothers to staff four schools for the poor of Rouen. One of these schools was housed in this building.
Adrian Nyel was the house administrator for the poor when Mme Maillefer sent him to Reims in 1679 to establish a school for poor boys. The Brothers eventually lived and worked here for some years when they first came to Rouen before moving out to their own home and running several schools for the poor in the town. Nyel’s purpose was with the approval of the Rouen Education “Board” (or “Office of the Poor”) with various letters of introduction, including to her cousin De La Salle in terms of establishing education for boys in Reims.
Adrian Nyel, as depicted in the movie about De La Salle
At this time, Nyel was the leader and founder of a loose-knit community of poor laymen who were teachers, infirmarians, and sacristans. These men called themselves “Brothers” but were not bound by vows. When the Brothers were invited to Rouen in 1705, they were to live in this hospital, teach the children here, and serve meals before traveling the 4 km (approximately 2.5 miles) to Darnetal and the other schools in Rouen. Located on Boulevard Gambetta, only part of the eastern wing now remains. Nyel and his schoolmasters lodged in the former west wing.
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For Reflection
What must this location have been like during the time Nyel worked here?
- This is where the poor, the elderly, the sick, and others came for help and charity. Where would a place like that be today?
- This is where Adrian Nyel worked and inspired others to work with him. What kind of man do you think he really was?
- Nyel was focused, charitable, outgoing, and faith-filled. How might he model what a Lasallian educator is for today?
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