contributed by a Sacramentino Father
Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868) was a French Catholic priest and a prominent figure in the 19th century Catholic Church. Known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his efforts in promoting Eucharistic adoration, he established the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
“St. Peter Julian Eymard,” 1927, Chiesa di Santa Maria di Piazza, Turin, Italy
His Vocation
Born in La Mure, France, on February 4, 1811, Eymard grew up in a devout Catholic family. He was ordained as a priest in 1834 and dedicated himself to the service of God and the Church. Initially, he was a parish priest known for his fervent preaching and commitment to the spiritual formation of his congregation.
However, Eymard felt called to a more contemplative and focused mission on the Eucharist. He discovered the love of God manifested in the Eucharist has the power to transform the world and satisfy the hungers of the human family. From his personal experience of this love of God in the Eucharist, he desired to share it with others.
He became a key figure in the Eucharistic revival movement in France, seeking to rekindle love and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Province of Our Lady of the Assumption
His Sainthood
In 1856, he founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious order dedicated to adoration of the Eucharist and evangelization centered around it. The congregation’s mission was to promote Eucharistic devotion, organize perpetual adoration, and educate others about the significance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church.
St. Eymard’s mortal remains at the Corpus Christi Chapel | photo from Eymardian Places
In 1962, Eymard was canonized as a saint by Pope John XXIII, and his feast day is celebrated on August 2nd. He is venerated as the patron saint of Eucharistic adoration and those who work in the Eucharistic ministries. He is known to be the “Apostle of the Eucharist.”
His Influence
The life and spiritual journey of Saint Peter Julian Eymard show us the love of God for humanity: a love that is willing to sacrifice and give everything for our good, even if we do not deserve; a love that forgives and embraces all sins of humanity; a love that invites us to love him back and everything he loves; a love that is constantly renewed at every Eucharistic table.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard once said, "The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but heaven itself."
When we receive the Eucharist, we experience the love of Jesus pouring out his body and blood to every soul who receives him. We also allow him to transform us into his own likeness, for we become what we eat—the person of Jesus in the form of bread and wine. When we adore him, we catch a glimpse of his promise of heaven where we behold him face-to-face in eternity.
The Congregation is now accepting postulant applicants for the Formation Year 2024-2025. You may contact Fr. Victor Clemence Posadas, SSS, their National Vocation Director through their Facebook page Sacramentino Vocations SSS, their email address Sacramentinovocations@gmail.com or through 0960 269 3553.
Like St. Peter Julian Eymard, be an apostle of the Eucharist! Deepen and stay in love with Jesus in the Eucharist! Be a SACRAMENTINO!