Saint John Eudes

Biography

Saint John Eudes, also known as Jean Eudes, was born on 14 November 1601 in Ri, Normandy, France to a farming family. At the age of 14, he entered the Jesuit college at Caen, where he received a solid education. After completing his studies, John felt a calling to religious life and joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France. As a member of the Oratory, John Eudes continued his studies at Paris and Aubervilliers in France. During this time, he was ordained a priest, and his vocation began to take a specific direction. John's heart was moved by the suffering caused by the plague, and he dedicated himself to ministering to the victims, showing great compassion and care for the sick and dying. Not content with serving solely in his home country, John Eudes became a missionary and preacher, undertaking well over 100 missions. His sermons were powerful and uplifting, always aimed at leading souls to God and promoting genuine conversion. Additionally, he actively worked against Jansenism, a heresy that denied the universality of Christ's saving grace and promoted a rigorous moral and religious stance. Through his efforts, many souls were brought back to the true teachings of the Catholic Church. Realizing the need to improve the formation and education of the clergy, John Eudes founded seminaries, where priests could be properly trained and equipped for their pastoral duties. However, he faced opposition from both Oratorians and Jansenists, preventing him from obtaining papal approval for his seminaries. Undeterred, John Eudes founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary Eudists on 25 March 1643. This congregation aimed to promote virtuous secular parochial clergy who were not bound by vows but dedicated to serving God and improving the clergy through seminaries and missions. Despite the lack of papal approval, the Eudists continued their work, focusing on the spiritual formation of priests and the evangelization of the faithful. In addition to his work with the Eudists, John Eudes also founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, a religious order dedicated to the welfare and spiritual guidance of penitent women. These sisters played a significant role in the reformation and rehabilitation of women who had led a wayward life. One of John Eudes' notable contributions is the development of the liturgical devotion of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He promoted this devotion, setting the stage for future growth and popular acceptance of this profound aspect of Catholic spirituality. Saint John Eudes is often portrayed as a priest with or presenting the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to the service of God and the salvation of souls. He died on 19 August 1680 in Caen, Normandy, France. Recognizing his exceptional holiness and heroic virtues, Pope Leo XIII declared John Eudes venerable on 6 January 1903. Subsequently, Pope Saint Pius X beatified him on 25 April 1909, and Pope Pius XI formally canonized him on 31 May 1925. Saint John Eudes is the patron saint of the Baie-Comeau diocese in Québec, Canada. His life and works continue to inspire and guide many Catholics, particularly those involved in the education and formation of priests. He remains a shining example of selfless love, zealous missionary work, and devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.