John Eudes
John Eudes was a French Catholic priest and founder of two religious congregations: the Order of Our Lady of Charity and the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (the Eudists). He is primarily remembered for his ardent promotion of devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and for authoring the propers for their Mass and Divine Office.
- Century
- 17th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›He founded the Order of our Lady of Charity in 1641 and the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists) in 1643.
- ›Eudes authored the propers for the Mass and Divine Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- ›He was a popular evangelist and confessor, preaching missions across France.
- ›He was canonized in 1925 and his supporters are petitioning for him to be named a Doctor of the Church.
- ›His book 'Le Cœur Admirable de la Très Sainte Mère de Dieu' is the first book written on the devotion to the Sacred Hearts.
Jean Eudes
Oratory of Jesus
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
About John Eudes
John Eudes (1601–1680) was a French Catholic priest, founder of religious congregations, and a significant figure in the promotion of devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Life and Ministry
Born near Ri, France, Jean Eudes studied with the Jesuits before joining the Oratorians in 1623. He was ordained a priest in 1625. During severe plagues in 1627 and 1631, he volunteered to care for the sick, administering sacraments and ensuring proper burials. He began preaching parish missions in 1633, becoming a noted evangelist and confessor throughout France, including Paris and Versailles. Eudes was also concerned with the spiritual improvement of priests and the reform of seminaries, founding several in the region.
Religious Foundations
Disturbed by inadequate shelter for prostitutes seeking to reform, Eudes founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge in Caen in 1641. With the support of Cardinal Richelieu, he severed ties with the Oratorians to establish the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, known as the Eudists, in 1643. This congregation was dedicated to the education of priests and missionary work. He also founded the Society of the Most Admirable Mother, a form of Third Order.
Devotion to the Sacred Hearts
Eudes was a fervent proponent of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He authored the propers for the Mass and Divine Office for these devotions, which were celebrated during his lifetime. His book, Le Cœur Admirable de la Très Sainte Mère de Dieu, is recognized as the first book written on the devotion to the Sacred Hearts. Pope Leo XIII later honored him with the title "Author of the Liturgical Worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Holy Heart of Mary."
Veneration
John Eudes was beatified by Pope Pius X in 1909 and canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 31, 1925. His supporters have since been petitioning for his declaration as a Doctor of the Church, with significant support from episcopal conferences in various countries. A statue dedicated to him stands in Saint Peter's Basilica.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Eudes?
John Eudes was a French Catholic priest, born in 1601 and died in 1680. He was a prolific writer and evangelist, particularly known for promoting devotions to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
What religious orders did John Eudes found?
John Eudes founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity in 1641, which provided a refuge for women seeking to reform their lives. He also founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as the Eudists, in 1643, primarily for the education of priests and for parish missions.
Why is John Eudes significant in Catholic devotion?
He is significant for authoring the propers for the Mass and Divine Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and for ardently promoting these devotions. His book 'Le Cœur Admirable de la Très Sainte Mère de Dieu' is considered the first on this subject.
What is the current status of the movement to make John Eudes a Doctor of the Church?
Supporters have been petitioning for John Eudes to be named a Doctor of the Church. In 2014-15, several episcopal conferences gave their support to this proposal, and a dossier was submitted for evaluation in April 2017.
When was John Eudes canonized?
John Eudes was canonized on May 31, 1925, by Pope Pius XI. His cause for sainthood began with an informative process in 1868.
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