Claude de la Colombière

Claude de la Colombière, sometimes referred to as Claude de Colombière, was a French Jesuit priest who lived from 1641 to 1682. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is best known for his role as the confessor and spiritual director to Margaret Mary Alacoque, a key figure in the promotion of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Early Life and Jesuit Vocation

Born in Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, France, Claude de la Colombière was the third child of Bertrand La Colombière and Margaret Coindat. His family later moved to Vienne, where he began his education. He attended the Jesuit school in Lyon for his secondary studies and, at the age of seventeen, entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus at Avignon in 1658, despite an initial "terrible aversion" to the life. He pursued higher studies in Avignon, where he was professed and completed his studies before teaching grammar and literature for five years.

Jesuit Ministry and the Sacred Heart Devotion

In 1666, Colombière moved to Paris to study theology at the College de Clermont and also served as a tutor to the children of the Royal Minister of Finances, Jean-Baptiste Colbert. He was ordained a priest in 1669 and subsequently taught at his former school in Lyon, gaining recognition for his clear and sound sermons. After a period of probation known as tertianship, during which he made a personal vow to observe the rules of the Society with great exactitude, he was appointed rector of the Jesuit community at Paray-le-Monial in 1675. In this capacity, he became the spiritual director of the nuns at the Monastery of the Visitation Sisters, where he met Margaret Mary Alacoque. He was convinced of the validity of her visions of Christ's Sacred Heart and became a fervent promoter of this devotion.

Ministry in England and Imprisonment

In 1676, Colombière was sent to England as preacher to Mary of Modena, the Duchess of York. He resided at the Court of St. James's, continuing his duties as a preacher and confessor. His health, already weakened by the English climate, deteriorated further. In November 1678, he was arrested and imprisoned as part of the fabricated Popish Plot. Despite severe conditions and the deaths of over twenty Jesuits in prison, Colombière survived, largely due to his royal connections and the protection of King Louis XIV of France. He was expelled from England in 1679, returning to France with his health ruined.

Death and Veneration

The final years of Claude de la Colombière's life were spent at Lyon and Paray-le-Monial, where he served as a spiritual director to Jesuit novices. He died on February 15, 1682. His writings, including "Pious Reflections," "Meditations on the Passion," and "Retreat and Spiritual Letters," were later published. Pope Francis has noted that Colombière's absolute confidence in God is eloquently expressed in his devotional writings. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI on June 16, 1929, and canonized by Pope John Paul II on May 31, 1992. His relics are preserved in the Jesuit Church in Paray-le-Monial.