Founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary and is known for his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and his role in promoting Eucharistic adoration. He was also a prolific writer and preacher.
John Eudes, a French Roman Catholic priest, is renowned for founding the Order of Our Lady of Charity in 1641 and the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as The Eudists, in 1643. He is also celebrated for his tireless efforts in promoting the devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin, earning him the title "Apostle of the Sacred Hearts."
Born on November 14, 1601, on a farm near the village of Ri, John Eudes was the fifth of seven children to Isaac Eudes, a surgeon, and Martha Corbin. He received his early education from the Jesuits at Caen and later joined the Oratorians on March 25, 1623, under the guidance of Pierre de Brulle and Charles de Condren.
John Eudes was an ardent proponent of the Sacred Hearts devotion, compiling the proper for the Mass and Divine Office of the Sacred Hearts. Despite opposition from the Jansenists, he continued to write extensively on the subject, spreading the devotion throughout France through his preaching and writings.
In 1641, John Eudes founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity, dedicated to the care of women and girls in need. Two years later, he founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as The Eudists, a religious community focused on evangelization and education.
A gifted preacher and evangelist, John Eudes traveled across France, including Paris and Versailles, spreading the message of God's love and promoting the devotion to the Sacred Hearts. His missions and sermons earned him recognition as a popular confessor and spiritual guide.
John Eudes was a prolific writer, leaving behind numerous works on spirituality, theology, and the Sacred Hearts devotion. His writings continue to inspire and guide Catholics to this day, solidifying his legacy as a champion of the Sacred Hearts.
In mid-1925, John Eudes was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Today, his supporters continue to petition for him to be named a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his significant contributions to Catholic theology and spirituality.
"Let us unite our hearts and souls in the adoration of the Sacred Hearts, that we may be illuminated by the divine light, and our souls be filled with the love of God."
"The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary are the sources of all blessings, the fountains of all graces, and the treasures of all virtues."
John Eudes lived during a tumultuous period in French history, marked by the Thirty Years' War and the Jansenist controversy. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Sacred Hearts devotion, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire Catholics worldwide.
John Eudes' emphasis on the importance of the Sacred Hearts devotion has had a lasting impact on Catholic spirituality, inspiring countless devotions, prayer groups, and spiritual communities. His legacy continues to shape Catholic thought and practice, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin.
