St. Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868) Image: Pinterest
(Franciscan Media) Born in Southeaster France La Mure, Peter grew up in a poor working family according to SQPN during the anti-Catholic aftermath of the French Revolution.
Peter wanted to begin study for the Priesthood as a youth but his father forbid it, wanting him to takeover the family business instead but by the age of 18, Peter was finally permitted to join the ‘Oblate Novitiate’ however he became very ill, so ill that they sent Peter back home to die. — Peter however didn’t die but made a remarkable recovery, entering the Seminary once more, following his father’s death.
In 1834 Peter was Ordained to the Diocesan Priesthood, later joining the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) — Fr. Peter Julian’s years as a Marist, included service as a provincial leader, together with his deepening of his Eucharist devotion especially through his preaching of ‘Forty Hours’ in many Parishes.
Inspired at first by the idea of reparation for indifference to the Eucharist, Fr. Peter Julian was eventually attracted to a more positive spirituality of Christ centered-love.
In 1851 Fr. Peter Julian answered a call to establish a community of men according to Catholic News Agency called the ‘Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament’ its mission was to promote the importance and significance of the Eucharist, together with working with the poor and helping then to prepare for their first Communion.
Fr. Perter Julian passed away this month in 1868 following a stroke. In 1925 he was Beatified by Pope Pius XI and Canonized in 1962 one day after Vatican II first session ended by Pope John XXIII
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