"Mary is the wonder of wonders"

A great scientist of the 20th century, a pioneer of modern genetics, notably by the discovery of trisomy 21, French Professor Jérôme Lejeune (1926-1994) devoted his whole life to the service of handicapped children. He cared for more than 9,000 patients and their parents from all over the world in his medical practice in Paris.

Lejeune left a mark in history by tirelessly defending the dignity and life of his patients against eugenic laws and by having the heroic courage to follow his conscience as a physician faithful to the Hippocratic Oath, and a Christian faithful to his baptism. Saint John Paul II appointed him first president of the Pontifical Academy for Life. His process of canonization is open. Professor Lejeune answered the question "Do you love Mary?" in an interview given to the parish newspaper "Le Sourire de Marie" (Mary’s Smile):

Professor Lejeune: "Mary is the wonder of wonders. Biology teaches us that every being owes its nature to the genetic message that animates and gives life to it. In order for the whole message (the Holy Spirit) to take flesh in Mary (the Incarnation), the Virgin must have been conceived to perfection (Immaculate Conception) free from all hereditary imperfections (original sin). Theologians already knew this before genetics was invented!"

The Mary of Nazareth Team, with the participation of the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation

Source: Interview for Le Sourire de Marie, 1977