Blessed Edward Joannes Maria Poppe

Blessed Edward Joannes Maria Poppe, born on 18 December 1890 in Temse, Belgium, was the son of Dèsirè, a baker, and Josefa. He grew up in a pious and hardworking family, being one of eleven children. Edward's deep faith and exceptional academic abilities became evident at an early age, and he soon felt a calling to the priesthood.