St. Claude de la Colombière was born in 1641 in France and became a Jesuit priest known for his deep spiritual insight and unwavering devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As a preacher and confessor, he guided many in their faith, including St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, whose visions of the Sacred Heart he validated and promoted. Sent to England as chaplain to the Duchess of York, he continued his ministry despite anti-Catholic persecution. Arrested and imprisoned for his faith, he was eventually exiled but never wavered in his mission. St. Claude de la Colombière’s writings on trust in God’s love continue to inspire the faithful. He died in 1682, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and spiritual direction.
Practical Lessons:
- Foster Deep Trust in God: St. Claude emphasized absolute trust in God’s mercy and love. Start each day with a simple prayer of surrender, like, “Jesus, I trust in You,” to cultivate a habit of relying on God in all situations.
- Encourage Others in Their Faith: Just as he supported St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, we can support family and friends by sharing spiritual encouragement, recommending good books, or simply listening when they need guidance.
- Stay Faithful in Hard Times: He remained devoted to Christ even in prison. When facing challenges at work, in relationships, or in personal struggles, persevere in faith through prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments.
Prayer:
St. Claude de la Colombière, you who taught the world to trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. Help us to surrender our fears and struggles to Christ’s love. Strengthen our faith in trials and inspire us to encourage others in their journey toward holiness. May we imitate your devotion and lead others to the mercy of God. Amen.
Quote:
“Let us go to the Heart of Jesus, where we will find all that we need.” — St. Claude de la Colombière
Other Saints We Remember Today
Saints Faustinus and Jovita (121), Martyrs, brothers
image: Stained Glass of Sacred Heart Church, Muntinlupa, Philippines / Octave 444 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
