“Jerome Lejeune: The Saintly Geneticist”
by Ana Braga-Henebry, illustrated by Anita Barghigiani.
Spark: Word on Fire, Elk Grove Village, Ill., 2024, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
What is normal? Generally, “normal people” means those who look and act like most of the people around them. This obviously is a good thing. But what if someone doesn’t look and act like everyone else? Does this make that person abnormal?
For example, those with Down Syndrome do not look and act like most people. But does this make them problems? Since God created these children, they cannot be seen as mis-made. For centuries, people believed that the parents and families of those with Down Syndrome had done something to cause the condition. However, the compassionate scientific study of Dr. Jérôme Lejeune in the 1950-1970 period disproved this false thinking. Ana Braga-Henebry writes a compassionate biography of this great French geneticist’s work to understand Down Syndrome and show the world the many gifts people with Down Syndrome can give to others.
As a young boy, Jérôme Lejeune is fascinated by science and medicine. He works hard and becomes a doctor. Happily, he meets and marries the love of his life, Birthe. They are blessed with five children. In his work, Dr. Lejeune begins studying the chromosomes of people with Down Syndrome. It is called Down Syndrome because the first researcher to describe the syndrome was the 19th century British doctor, John Langdon Down.
Dr. Lejeune begins studying the chromosomes of patients and is able to chart the structure of the chromosomes. He makes an incredible discovery when examining the chromosomes of people with Down Syndrome. Everyone has 23 matched pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46. But people with Down Syndrome have an extra copy of Chromosome 21. So instead of having 46 chromosomes, these people have 47 chromosomes. This is what causes Down Syndrome.
Dr. Lejeune’s discovery revolutionizes the study of genetics. He becomes famous throughout the world. But a terrible problem arises at the same time. Genetic testing can now show whether a baby will have Down Syndrome, leading to a sharp increase in abortions of these children. Soon, Lejeune is debating the ethics of aborting babies with Down Syndrome in radio and television conferences. Dr. Lejeune constantly argues that aborting these children is a grave evil. He begins to be derided by powerful people in French society.
In spite of his persecutions, Dr. Lejeune lovingly defends and protects his Down Syndrome patients. His defense is so eloquent that Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II name him to important scientific councils in the Vatican. After these appointments, what does this virtuous doctor do with the rest of his life? To find the answers to these and other questions, buy a copy of this recently released book, “Jérôme Lejeune: The Saintly Geneticist” by Ana Braga-Henebry.
People with Down Syndrome are frequently filled with joy and innocence. I worked with a girl with Down Syndrome for several years at a grade school in Lincoln. I was always amazed at the happiness she gave to everyone in the school. There were about 500 students and teachers at that school, but only this child constantly gave joy to everyone at school. Sometimes when working, I was in a bad mood. But there she was, waving and laughing with all the children in the classroom. So who gave the student body more, the student or me? That is not a hard question for me to answer. It was her, every time.
I hope you get a chance to read this outstanding biography about a Catholic doctor dedicated to learning and witnessing to the Gospel. The book is very inspirational and I think you will enjoy it. Thanks again to Mrs. Susan Pepino for this fine recommendation.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Jérôme Lejeune was declared Venerable by Pope Francis Jan. 21, 2021, meaning the Church has determined that he led a life of heroic virtue.
