Saint of the day, August 19
His devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary shaped a priesthood dedicated to preaching the Gospel, serving those in need, and renewing the life of the Church.
Aug. 19: St. John Eudes
Born: Nov. 14, 1601, Normandy, France
Died: Aug. 19, 1680, Normandy, France
Nationality: French
Vocation / State: Priest
Attributes: Sacred Heart
Patronage: Missionaries and the Congregation of Jesus and Mary
Canonization: 1925, by Pope Pius XI
St. John Eudes devoted his priesthood to drawing others closer to Christ, carrying a deep love for the Hearts of Jesus and Mary into his preaching and service.
As a priest, John traveled throughout France leading parish missions and calling the faithful to a deeper life with God. His love for Christ also moved him to care for those in need, tending to the sick during outbreaks of the plague and helping provide refuge for women seeking to leave prostitution.
John also recognized the Church’s need for well-formed priests. He founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, known as the Eudists, which established seminaries dedicated to priestly formation. At the heart of his work was his devotion to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, which he helped bring more deeply into the Church’s liturgical life.
St. John Eudes shows us that a heart close to Christ cannot remain unchanged. His love for Jesus moved him to preach, serve, and care for those in need, inviting us to remain close to the Heart of Christ and allow His love to shape our own.
St. John Eudes, pray for us!
