August 19th - St. John Eudes By: Nikhil Justin

Saint John Eudes was born on November 14, 1601 on a farm in Northern France. He had 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He made his first communion on 26 May 1613. At only 14, he made a private vow to stay chaste. John joined the Orotorians, a religious community at the age of 24. IN 1627 and 1631, there were severe plagues and John volunteered to care for the stricken. At the age of 32, he became a parish missionary. He gained popularity from being a preacher and confessor. Saint John Eudes preached at over 100 parish missions. John realized he was needed in seminaries, After some prayer and counsel, John left the religious community. In the same year John started a new community, the Eudists, who were devoted to the formation of the clergy by conducting diocesan seminaries. Later, John founded another community, the Sisters of Charity of the Refuge, after he noticed the sad condition of prostitutes who were desperate to escape their way of living. Saint John Eudes was mostly known for his central theme of his writings, which was Jesus as the source of Holiness and Mary the model of a perfect Christian life. His devoutness led Pope Pius XI to declare him the father of the liturgical cult of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Eudes passed away at Caen on 19 August 1680. Saint John Eueds drafted up his last will in 1671, which was the start of when his health declined. Eudes' remains were exhumed and transferred in 1810 and again for the last time on March 6, 1884. If Saint John Eudes had one word to describe him, it would be generous. He was willing to give his life in order to help the sick during the time of the plagues and moved to a seminary as soon as he realized that he was needed there.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Father, you chose the priest John Eudes to preach the infinite riches of Christ. By his teaching and example help us to know you better and live faithfully in the light of the gospel. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.