The ancient diocese of Viviers, one of the oldest sees in France. save for a short period of suppression (1801-23), it dates from the third century, has received with the liveliest pleasure the news that Mgr. Canon Alfred Couderc is to be its new Bishop. in succession to Mgr. Durieux. The Bishop-designate was one of his country's many priest-helpers in the Great War, where his heroic courage earned special mention.
Mgr. Coudere was mobilised at the outbreak of the war, in August, 1914. and in the following year was a Corporal. In May, 1918, he was wounded daring the fighting at Mount Kemmei, the eighth battle into which he had been thrown.
A few months before the end of hostilities, the priest's bravery was recorded officially and with enthusiasm. "A stretcherbearer full of courage," the order declared, " he made himself remarkable by his devotion and by his contempt for danger in evacuating the wounded in open territory under violent bombardment."