Saint Jean Eudes

John Eudes, CIM (French: Jean Eudes; 14 November 1601 – 19 August 1680) was a French Catholic priest and the founder of both the Order of Our Lady of Charity in 1641 and Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as the Eudists, in 1643. He was also a professed member of the Oratory of Jesus until 1643. Eudes was the author of the propers for the Mass and Divine Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was an ardent proponent of the two devotions and dedicated himself to their promotion and celebration. The Masses he compiled for both Sacred Hearts were both first celebrated within his lifetime. He preached missions across France, including Paris and Versailles, while earning recognition as a popular evangelist and confessor. Eudes was also a prolific writer and wrote on the Sacred Hearts despite opposition from the Jansenists. Eudes was canonised in 1925 and his supporters are now petitioning to have him named a Doctor of the Church. Jean Eudes was born on 14 November 1601 on a farm close to the village of Ri to Isaac Eudes (born circa 1566), a surgeon, and Martha Corbin; he had four sisters and two brothers, including the historian François Eudes de Mézeray (1610–10 July 1683). He made his First Communion on 26 May 1613 (Pentecost) and at age 14 took a private vow to remain chaste. Eudes studied under the Jesuits at Caen before he decided to join the Oratorians on 25 March 1623. His masters and models in the spiritual life were Pierre de Bérulle (who welcomed him into the order) and the contemplative and ascetic Charles de Condren. As a student of de Bérulle, he became a member of the French school that promoted a Christocentric approach to spiritual affairs. This was characterised by a strong sense of adoration, plus pursuit of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ which extended to the Holy Spirit. Bishop Jacques Camus de Pontcarré ordained Eudes to the subdiaconate on 21 December 1624.