Saint John Eudes commemorated by the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church commemorates Saint John Eudes on August 19, marking the anniversary of the death of the French priest and missionary who lived from 1601 to 1680.

Eudes is recognized for his significant role in the formation of the clergy and his promotion of devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as the Eudists, to focus on seminary education and missionary work. Additionally, he established the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge in 1641 to provide support for women in difficult circumstances.

Throughout his ministry, Eudes was known as a prominent preacher across France and provided care to victims of the plague, often at great personal risk. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925.