St. John Eudes
Today is the optional memorial of St. John Eudes, a French priest, parish missionary, founder of the Eudists and of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity, and author of the liturgical worship of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. John Eudes was born at Ri, Normandy, France, on November 14, 1601, the son of a farmer. He went to the Jesuit college at Caen when he was 14. Despite his parents' wishes that he marry, he joined the religious order of the Oratorians in France and was ordained a priest at the age of 24. John worked as a volunteer, caring for the victims of the plagues that struck Normandy in 1625 and 1631. In order to avoid infecting his fellow religious, he lived in a huge cask in the middle of a field during the plague. At age 32, John became a parish missionary, building a reputation as an outstanding preacher and confessor During his long life, he preached not less than one hundred and ten missions in different parts of France.. He was known for his opposit...