Saint Peter Julian Eymard, born in La Mure, France on February 4, 1811, was a Catholic priest and a founder of two religious congregations: the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. His passionate devotion to the Eucharist, the central Christian tradition representing the body and blood of Jesus Christ, played a significant role in his life and teachings. As a result, Eymard became known as the “Apostle of the Eucharist.”
The journey of Saint Peter Julian Eymard towards sainthood was not always smooth. Initially facing opposition from his father and overcoming numerous challenges throughout his life, he eventually found his vocation through his unwavering faith and perseverance. Eymard’s spiritual journey began at a young age, with his desire to become a priest subdued momentarily. Despite this, Eymard was ordained in 1834 as a secular priest, which marked the beginning of his lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith and the Eucharist.
Throughout his life, Eymard’s goal was to promote the importance of the Eucharist in people’s daily lives, believing it to be the key to a deep and personal relationship with God. This belief led him to establish the two religious congregations mentioned earlier, helping lay the foundation for a continued devotion to the Eucharist within the Catholic Church. Today, Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s legacy lives on in the many religious orders and lay associations that continue his mission of spreading reverence towards the Eucharist globally.
Early Life and Vocation
Saint Peter Julian Eymard was born on February 4, 1811, in La Mure, a small town in southeastern France. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Julian felt a strong call to religious life from an early age. Despite facing several obstacles, including opposition from his father and poor health, he persevered in his pursuit of the priesthood.
In 1831, Julian entered the diocesan seminary in Grenoble to begin his formal theological studies. Throughout his time at the seminary, he experienced a profound love for the Eucharist, particularly Holy Communion. In 1834, Eymard was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Grenoble. His first assignment was as a parish priest, where he focused on promoting reverence for the Eucharist and preparing children for the sacrament of First Communion.
A few years later, Julian joined the Society of Mary (Marists), a congregation founded in post-revolutionary France to revive the faith. As a Marist priest, he continued to dedicate himself to nurturing a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist and providing spiritual guidance to the faithful. Eymard’s fervor and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament would lead him to establish a new religious congregation, emphasizing the centrality of Holy Communion in the spiritual life of Catholics.
Founding of the Congregations
Saint Peter Julian Eymard, known as the Apostle of the Eucharist, was a French priest and Founder of two religious communities, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament for men and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament for women. His mission was to spread devotion and adoration of the Holy Eucharist.
Born in 1811, Eymard initially joined the Marists in 1839 and served as a dedicated priest in their community. However, he felt a distinct calling to focus more on the Eucharist and fostering greater devotion towards it. As a result, Eymard founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in 1856. The community’s primary goal is to promote the importance of the Eucharist within the Church and to encourage people to actively participate in Holy Communion. The Congregation continues to operate today, with members engaging in Eucharistic adoration, educating others about the Sacrament, and promoting its celebration.
In 1858, Eymard expanded his mission to include the spiritual development and formation of women by founding the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. This community of religious women has goals and functions similar to those of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, focusing on the adoration, promotion, and education surrounding the Eucharist.
While the two congregations remain separate in their respective roles, both have the shared purpose of highlighting the Eucharist’s central place in spiritual growth, personal relationship with Jesus, and relationship with the Church community. Slowing but firmly, Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s dedicated work led to the development of these two communities, both of which continue to enrich the Church to this day.
Spirituality and Devotion
St. Peter Julian Eymard, known as the Apostle of the Eucharist, had a profound spirituality centered on the Blessed Sacrament. His love for the Eucharist motivated him to form the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, an order dedicated to promoting perpetual adoration of the Eucharist in the Church.
Eymard’s devotion to the Eucharist started when he was young and developed throughout his life. Experiencing a formative moment during an illness, he felt a strong calling to become a priest. This commitment to the Eucharistic ministry eventually led him to a deep, spiritual attachment to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
One of the main aspects of St. Peter Julian Eymard’s spirituality was Eucharistic adoration. He believed that adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was crucial to forming a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Eymard promoted the practice of spending time before the monstrance, containing the consecrated host, to connect with Jesus on a deeper and more intimate level.
Throughout his ministry, Eymard promoted various means of devotion to the Eucharist. This included fostering reverence for the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, encouraging the faithful to receive Holy Communion frequently, and promoting the practice of Eucharistic Adoration.
Eymard’s Legacy
Saint Peter Julian Eymard, the founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, left a significant legacy as an influential figure in the Catholic Church. His dedication to the Eucharist and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual lives of many Catholics.
Eymard’s decision to leave religious life in the Society of Mary and to start the Congregation and Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, with the primary focus on perpetual adoration of the Eucharist, led to the spread of Eucharistic devotion. This devotion continues to be an essential aspect of Catholic worship to this day.
The establishment of the Forty Hours devotion, inspired by Eymard, is another essential aspect of his legacy. This practice involves continuous exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for 40 hours, symbolizing the time Jesus spent in the tomb. It has become a popular tradition among Catholics to deepen their relationship with Christ and the Eucharist.
Catholics around the world commemorate Eymard’s life and legacy on his feast day, which falls on August 2nd. This date is dedicated to celebrating his impact on the Catholic Church and his journey to sainthood.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s path to sainthood began with his beatification by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It continued with his canonization in 1962 by Pope John XXIII during the Second Vatican Council, recognizing him as a saint alongside other notable figures like Saint John Vianney.
Ultimately, the legacy of Saint Peter Julian Eymard continues to inspire countless believers worldwide to strengthen their dedication to the Eucharist, seek holiness in their lives, and emulate his faith and devotion.
Writings and Teachings
Saint Peter Julian Eymard was a prolific writer, focusing on teaching the faithful about the Most Blessed Sacrament and the importance of the sacraments. Although a complete bibliography of his works is not readily available, a collection of his writings can be found at the Eymard Library. Some of these texts have been compiled in both print and digital formats.
Eymard devoted much of his life to the promotion of perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This led him to found the religious congregation known as the Society of the Blessed Sacrament, which is committed to this practice. Additionally, he established a group of laypeople called the Companions, who shared the same devotion.
One of Eymard’s most well-known writings is a commentary on the practice of perpetual adoration. In this text, he provides guidelines for those wishing to participate in this devotion, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and the role of the faithful in maintaining a reverent atmosphere.
In addition to his teachings on the Blessed Sacrament, Saint Peter Julian Eymard wrote extensively on Christian perfection, providing valuable insights on how to live a life dedicated to holiness. Many of his writings on this topic have been compiled into a nine-day novena, which serves as a helpful spiritual resource for those seeking to grow in their faith.
Despite the age of his works, the copyright of Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s writings is still protected. Thus, any use of his texts, including excerpts and quotations, requires permission from the Society of the Blessed Sacrament or the Eymard Library.
While not exhaustive, this brief overview highlights the scope and depth of Eymard’s writings and teachings on the Most Blessed Sacrament, the sacraments, and the path to Christian perfection, which are cherished by the faithful and continue to inspire a deep love for the Eucharist.
Influences and Impact
Saint Peter Julian Eymard was deeply influenced by his devotion to the Holy Eucharist. His spirituality revolved around the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which led him to create communities and missions dedicated to the practice.
Julian Eymard’s father played a significant role in shaping his faith, as he instilled values of hard work, piety, and the importance of taking part in the Holy Communion. This foundation inspired his life-long mission to enhance the role of Eucharistic adoration in the Catholic Church.
St. Peter Julian Eymard’s central focus on Holy Communion and adoration had a lasting impact on men and women around him. He founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament for men, emphasizing the sanctity of the Eucharist and its importance in fostering a deeper spiritual connection to Christ.
His mission also extended to women, as he established the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, providing them with an opportunity to dedicate their lives exclusively to the adoration of the Holy Eucharist. This led to the formation of a spiritual community where both men and women could cultivate their relationship with the Sacrament.
Impactful contributions from St. Peter Julian Eymard can be seen in his writings, most notably the twelve volumes of his collected works. These writings reflect his deep commitment to spirituality, devotion, and the glorification of the Holy Eucharist. They serve as essential resources for understanding Eymardian spirituality and its lasting effect on the Church.
Through his tireless work in promoting the importance of Holy Communion and adoration, St. Peter Julian Eymard transformed the way many Catholics approached their faith. By emphasizing the significance of the Sacrament, he helped countless individuals grow in sanctity and devotion.
