Saint Charles of Mount Argus

Biography

Saint Charles of Mount Argus, also known as Charles Houban, Charles Houben, Charles of Mount Argus Houben, Charles of Saint Andrew, Joannes Andreas Houben, Karel Houben, Karel of Mount Argus, Karel of Saint Andrew, Karel van Sint Andries Houben, and Karl Houben, was born on 11 December 1821 in Munstergeleen, Limburg, Netherlands. He was the fourth of eleven children born to Peter Joseph and Elizabeth Jane Houban. As a young boy, Charles received his First Holy Communion at the age of 13. He had a slow learning pace but was a very dedicated student. Charles pursued his studies at Sittard, where he continued to deepen his knowledge of the faith. In 1840, Charles enlisted in the military and served for five years. After completing his military service, he briefly worked in his uncle's mill. However, Charles felt a calling to follow a different path, and he joined the Passionists at Ere, Belgium on 5 November 1845, taking the name Charles of Saint Andrew. He was ordained as a priest on 21 December 1850. In 1852, Father Charles was assigned to England, where he frequently ministered to Irish immigrants fleeing the devastating Potato Famine. His dedication to helping those in need endeared him to the people he served. On 6 July 1857, Father Charles was transferred to a retreat house near Dublin, Ireland, known as Mount Argus. With his arrival, he brought a renewed spiritual fervor to the area, and his reputation as a noted healer began to spread. People from all walks of life sought him out for prayer and healing. Carriages lined up to fetch him to the bedside of the sick, and his mailbox was continuously filled with prayer requests. Father Charles remained at Mount Argus for the rest of his life, except for a brief trip to England in 1866. He dedicated himself to his ministry, serving the faithful and providing spiritual guidance. Even non-Catholics recognized the holiness of Father Charles and mourned his passing when he died on 5 January 1893. His death was a result of an infected leg wound that he sustained in a carriage accident. Father Charles was laid to rest at Mount Argus, Dublin, Ireland. Recognizing his holy life and the impact he had on the faithful, Father Charles was venerated on 10 May 1979 by Pope John Paul II. He was beatified on 16 October 1988 by the same Pope, and finally canonized on 3 June 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy. Today, Saint Charles of Mount Argus is remembered for his unwavering dedication to God and his compassionate care for those in need. Although not officially recognized as a patron saint of any particular cause or group, his life serves as an inspiration for all to embrace faith, love, and service.