History & Biographies

St. John Eudes: The Apostle of the Sacred Heart

Priest  
•Feast day: August 19
•1601-1680

St. John Eudes, born in France in 1601, is a towering figure in the history of the Catholic Church. Known as the Apostle of the Sacred Heart, his life and work left an indelible mark on the Church, particularly in promoting devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. His journey is a testament to his unwavering faith, missionary zeal, and deep love for the Sacred Heart.

Early Life and Vocation

From a young age, St. John Eudes displayed a deep piety and commitment to his faith. Born into a devout Catholic family, he felt a strong call to the priesthood, despite his parents’ wishes for him to pursue a different path. In 1623, at the age of 22, he entered the Congregation of the Oratory in Paris, a community founded by Cardinal Pierre de Bérulle. His devotion and dedication were so evident that he was permitted to preach while still a seminarian, an uncommon privilege that underscored his exceptional abilities.

A Missionary’s Heart

After his ordination in 1625, St. John Eudes dedicated himself to the ministry of preaching, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the greatest missionaries of his time. He traveled extensively, conducting popular missions throughout France, where his powerful sermons and deep compassion for the faithful drew large crowds. He often remarked, “The preacher beats the bushes, but the confessor catches the birds,” highlighting the importance of the sacrament of confession in bringing souls back to God.

Founding of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary

During his missionary work, St. John Eudes became acutely aware of the need for reform within the clergy. He observed that the spiritual formation of priests was lacking, which in turn affected their ability to guide their flocks effectively. This realization led him to take a bold step in 1643: he left the Oratorians and founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as the Eudists. The primary mission of this new congregation was the formation and education of seminarians and the parochial clergy, ensuring they were well-equipped to serve the Church and lead their congregations in faith.

Devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

One of the most significant contributions of St. John Eudes to the spiritual life of the Church was his promotion of devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He recognized the profound love of Christ and His Blessed Mother and sought to cultivate this devotion among the faithful. In 1670, he published a groundbreaking book, The Devotion to the Adorable Heart of Jesus. This work included a proper Mass and Office dedicated to the Sacred Heart, laying the foundation for the widespread devotion that would later be confirmed by the private revelations of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

Legacy and Canonization

St. John Eudes passed away in 1680, leaving behind a legacy of deep devotion, missionary zeal, and a renewed emphasis on the spiritual formation of priests. His work in promoting the Sacred Heart devotion and reforming the clergy continues to influence the Church to this day. In recognition of his contributions, he was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925.

His famous saying, “To celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass properly, three eternities would be required: the first to prepare it, the second to celebrate it, and the third to give thanks for it,” encapsulates his profound reverence for the Eucharist and the sacredness of the Mass.

St. John Eudes remains an inspiration to those who seek to deepen their faith and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. His life reminds us of the importance of spiritual formation, the power of the sacraments, and the boundless love of God.