Saint Claude de la Colombiere

Saint Claude de la Colombiere

Also known as

• Claudius de la Columbiere

Memorial

• 15 February

Profile

Born to the French nobility, Claude early felt a call to religious life. Educated at Jesuit college in Lyons, France. Priest. Taught humanities at Avignon, France. Continued his studies in Paris, France. Tutor. Preachedagainst Jansenism, advocating dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Joined the Jesuits in 1659. Spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque.

Chaplain to Mary Beatrice d’Este, the Duchess of York. He convertedmany Protestants through the example of his holy life. Due to rumours of “Popish plots” against the king and the re-establishment Catholicism, Claude was imprisoned, accused of being part of the Titus Oates Plot. It was only by the efforts of Louis XIV, who had recommended him for the assignment, that he was not martyred. Banished from England. His healthhad been ruined by his time in prison, and he returned to Paray to die. The day after his death, SaintMargaret received supernatural assurance that Claude needed no prayers, as he was in already heaven. He is considred a “dry” martyr, having suffered every abuse for the faith except death.

Born

• 2 February 1641 at Saint-Symphorien d’Ozon, Rhône, France

Died

• 15 February 1682 at Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France of hemoptysis (coughing up blood)

Venerated

• 11 August 1901 by Pope Leo XIII

Beatified

• 16 June 1929 by Pope Pius XI

Canonized

• 31 May 1992 by Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy

Patronage

• toy makers
• turners

Readings

The past three centuries allow us to evalutate the importance of the message which was entrusted to Claude. In a period of contrasts between the fervor of some and the indifference or impiety of many, here is a devotion centered on the humility of Christ, on his presence, on his love of mercy and on forgiveness. Devotion to the Heart of Christ would be a source of balance and spiritual strengthening for Christian communities so often faced with increasing unbelief over the coming centuries. – Pope John Paul II, during the canonization of Saint Claude

Lord, I am in this world to show Your mercy to others. Other people will glorify You by making visible the power of Your grace by their fidelity and constancy to You. For my part I will glorify You by making known how good You are to sinners, that Your mercy is boundless and that no sinner no matter how great his offences should have reason to despair of pardon. If I have grievously offended You, My Redeemer, let me not offend You even more by thinking that You are not kind enough to pardon Me. Amen. – Saint Claude de la Colombiere