John Eudes, Priest

John’s early training came from the Jesuits, but his own interest was in the Congregation of the Oratory, a group of secular priests who took no vows, but had a common goal of reinvigorating the spiritual life of their communities. John was ordained in 1625 and celebrated his first Mass on Christmas Day that year. John sought and, after some delay, received permission to go to Normandy to minister to sick and dying and their families. His ministry was most welcome because many of the priests in the region had fled the area to avoid the plague.

John ministered to the sick and to the fallen, conducted missions, founded religious orders, and established new devotions. When he felt overwhelmed by all the tasks he had taken on, he prayed for help from God and found new strength in that grace.