Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Collège de l'Oratoire, also known as Séminaire des Oratoriens, was founded in Le Mans in 1599 in the Faubourg Saint-Ouest-des-Fossés, on a land liberated after a fire. His creation was the result of an agreement between Bishop Claude d'Angennes, Pope Clement, and Henry IV in 1601. The first principal, Master Michel Aubourg, doctor in theology and parish priest of Marolles-les-Braults, led the establishment as early as 1601, assisted by regents teaching theology and sciences. The college then depends on the bishop of Le Mans and is financed by taxes on the clergy and municipal donations.

In 1624, despite the Jesuit demands, Bishop Charles de Beaumanoir entrusted the direction to the Oratorians after an assembly of the clergy. The college, free of charge, teaches humanities, ancient languages, philosophy, and history, with special attention to the local figures of Maine. The Oratorians settled permanently in 1625. Under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Gault (1625-1640), the future bishop of Marseilles, the establishment enjoyed a remarkable growth, attracting students from a variety of social backgrounds and strengthening the prestige of the congregation.

The chapel of the college, the only part classified as a historical monument in 1982, is now integrated into Montesquieu High School. The building, located east of Old Mans, illustrates the educational and religious heritage of the city, marked by conflicts between religious orders and a desire to open up society. His teaching, focusing on the French language and local history, reflected the cultural ambitions of the time.

Prior to its foundation, the site housed a first Oratory dedicated to Saint Ouen, near Saint-Julien Cathedral, intended for pilgrims. The partial destruction of the Faubourg Saint-Ouen by fire, followed by the capture of Le Mans by Henri IV, offered the opportunity to build this new college. His superior also held the office of parish priest Saint-Ouen, linked to land and a small church with cemetery.

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