Saint of the Day: St. John Eudes | August 19, 2024

Saint John Eudes: Priest, Founder, and Devotee of the Sacred Hearts
Saint John Eudes is a revered figure in the Catholic Church, known for his dedication to the formation of priests, his founding of religious congregations, and his promotion of devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Below are key facts about his life, other saints celebrated on August 19th, and sources for more information.
Facts about Saint John Eudes:
1. Birth: Born on November 14, 1601, in Ri, Normandy, France.
2. Early Life: Raised in a devout Catholic family, he entered the Jesuit college at Caen at the age of 14.
3. Religious Vocation: Joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France in 1623, against his parents' wish that he marry.
4. Ordination: Ordained as a priest in 1625.
5. Charity Work: Volunteered to care for victims of the plague in Normandy in 1625 and 1631.
6. Preacher and Missionary: Spent a decade preaching missions across France, known for his powerful sermons and opposition to Jansenism.
7. Founder:
o Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists): Founded in 1643, focused on the formation of priests and parish missions.
o Sisters of Our Lady of Charity: Founded to care for women seeking to reform their lives.
8. Devotion: Promoted devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
9. Patronage: Patron saint of the Eudists, Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, and those devoted to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
10. Canonization: Canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 31, 1925.
11. Martyrdom: St. John Eudes did not suffer martyrdom but is celebrated for his lifelong dedication to the Church and its mission.
Other Saints Celebrated on August 19th:
1. Saint Louis of Toulouse: A bishop who renounced a royal inheritance to serve the Church, known for his humility and charity.
2. Saint Sebaldus: A missionary and hermit venerated as the patron saint of Nuremberg, Germany.
Sources for More Information:
1. Catholic Online - Saint John Eudes
2. The Eudists - Congregation of Jesus and Mary