November 26

St. John Berchmans

John Berchmans (Born March 13, 1599; died August 13, 1621) was born to a devout family in Deist, Belgium. He was a Jesuit scholar and a saint in the Catholic Church.

In 1665, when the Jesuits at Mechelen opened a college, Berchmans was one of the first to join. Jesuit Aloysius Gonzaga was his fellow Jesuit and his spiritual model.

Berchmans illustrates the absolute that “Ordinary deeds done extraordinarily well lead to great holiness.” He is the patron saint of the altar services.

English Jesuit martyrs have greatly influenced Berchmans. He always said to himself, “If he cannot become a saint when young,” he confined, he will never become one.”

Early Life

Berchmans was the son of a shoemaker; his parents’ names were John Charles and Elizabeth Berchmans. He was the oldest child of five. In honor of John Baptist, he was named John at baptism.

At the age of 9, Berchmans’ mother suffered a severe illness. He stayed by her bedside for several hours every day. He also worked at Mechelen in the household of Canon John Froyment as a servant so he could continue his studies.

Call to the Society of Jesus

In 1665, when the Jesuits at Mechelen opened a college, Berchmans was one of the first to join. At first, his father did not agree and told him he would cut his financial support, but later, he decided to allow his son to follow his dream.

In 1661, he joined the Jesuits. There he performed his neophyte duties with triumph and onerous obedience. He was amiable, kind, and had a fellow well-met personality that captivated others towards him.

He pronounced his first vow on January 24, 1618. To study philosophy, he went to Antwerp. Later, he was sent to Rome to continue his study there for a few weeks. In 1621, he entered his 3rd year class to begin two years of study in philosophy.

Berchmans remained devoted to his religious life and his studies during his apprenticeship period. In a public debate, he was selected to discuss philosophy, where he excelled. After this, he was again chosen to represent the Roman College at disputation.

His health suffered as he put too much effort into studying. His health gradually decreased as he prepared for the event. On August 7, he was back in his quarters. He caught a cold after suffering an attack of dysentery. His health worsened.

At the age of 22 years, on August 13, 1621, he succumbed to fever and dysentery. Before he asked for his rule book, crucifix, and rosary, he spent his last night praying. He died the following morning. Several large crowds gathered to invoke his intercession.

Veneration

In 1865, he was declared blessed, and in 1888, he was canonized. His statue portrays him holding his crucifix, book of rules, and rosary.

His feast day has never been imprinted on the Roman calendar. However,it is celebrated on August 13 or November 26. Often, the Catholic Church celebrates him in November.

Recognition

During the 1890s, a community founded a chapel that was later named after St.John Berchman. In 1947, it became Belgium’s national parish.

In Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1902, Bishop Anthony requested that the Jesuits establish a second parish. The parish was named in honor of the saint because of the miracle that Mary Wilson experienced.

5 Interesting Facts About St. John Berchmans

He was the founder of mass servers.
Pius IX gave him the title of “Patron of Altar Boys.”
He is also called the “Saint of the Common Life.”
His famous words go as follows: “If I do not become a saint when I am young,
I shall never become one.”
He was the first to enroll in the Jesuit College at Mechelen.

Prayer to St. John Berchmans

Lord our God, you invite us always to give you our love, and you are pleased with a cheerful giver. Give us a youthful spirit to be like St.John, always eager to seek you and to do your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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