He was not afraid — nothing and nobody could make him deviate.
‘An apostle of the gospel of life’
Jerome Lejeune, often referred to as the “father of modern genetics,” made a groundbreaking discovery in 1958 by identifying the genetic and chromosomal cause of Down syndrome. This discovery marked a genetic revolution during a time when chromosomal diseases were not well understood. People with Down syndrome faced various challenges such as growth delays, cognitive impairments, and physical abnormalities. Throughout history, individuals with Down syndrome were marginalized, but Lejeune dedicated his life to researching ways to help them and advocating for their rights. Thanks to his research and advocacy, the life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome increased significantly.
Lejeune’s unwavering love for his patients, especially those with Down syndrome, was evident in his work. He considered every patient as his brother and saw the suffering face of Christ in each of them. His dedication to improving the lives of individuals with mental disabilities earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Kennedy award from President John F. Kennedy and the Allan Memorial Award, the highest honor in genetics. He also received honorary doctorates from four universities and held a prominent position with the World Health Organization.
As a scientist, Lejeune believed in the harmony between faith and science. His deep spirituality and belief in God guided his research and life’s work. He saw the beauty of creation and the presence of the Creator in everything he did. Lejeune’s intelligence was driven by truth, and he always used his knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
Lejeune was a fierce advocate for life and spoke out against the selective abortion of individuals with Down syndrome. He opposed prenatal testing and even testified in a legal case in the United States to defend the rights of the unborn. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and advocates for life around the world.
