St. John Eudes was born in France, November 14, 1601. An exemplary youth, he was extolled as one of the most brilliant students ever to attend the Jesuit College at Caen.As a priest John was full of zeal for the salvation of souls. He worked valiantly among his countrymen and become known as one of the greatest missionaries of his days. Traveling throughout France, he taught the great truth of the faith and made a host of conversions.
The Saint founded the Congregation of the “Priest of Jesus and Mary” and Congregation of “Sisters of our Lady of Charity”. The purpose of the former was the direction of seminaries and the religious instruction of the people through missions. He died on August 19, 1680.
Pope Leo XIII recognized St. John Eudes as the author of the liturgical devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1925.
PRAYER: God, You wonderfully chose St. John, Your Priest, to announce the unsearchable riches of Christ. Help us to grow in the knowledge of You through his example and counsels and so to live faithfully according to the light of the Gospel. Amen.