Biography of Saint Peter Julian Eymard
Biography of Saint Peter Julian Eymard
Biography of Saint Peter Julian Eymard
by Robert Rousseau, SSS THE EARLY YEARS 1811-1839 Like all of us, Peter Julian Eymard [pronounced A-mard] was conditioned by his cultural background as well as by the sociopolitical milieu of his time. Life in France during the first half of the nineteenth century forms the backdrop against which to view the gradual unfolding of Peter Julian's life story. Years earlier, the French Revolution of 1789 had radically altered the political, legal, social and religious structures of the country. As a teenager, the industrial revolution was changing the face of Europe. As a young man Eymard witnessed the dawning of the Age of Romanticism in art, music, and literature. Peter Julian Eymard's road to the priesthood, as well as his life as a priest, was marked by the cross. In French society, there was a strong anticlericalism. In addition, the Eymard family was poor and Peter Julian's father was reluctant to give his blessing to his son's choice of career. His first attempt to attain priesthood ended because of serious illness. He tried again. On July 20, 1834, at 23 years of age, Eymard was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Grenoble. In Eymard's day there was a religious movement called Jansenism. This movement focused on the gravity of human sinfulness and as a consequence stressed our unworthiness in the presence of a transcendent and perfect Divinity. In his early years as a seminarian and priest, Fr. Eymard was influenced by this reparation spirituality and he would struggle his whole life long to seek that inner perfection that would enable him to offer to God the gift of his entire self. Perhaps it was the intensification of this growing spiritual struggle along with Fr. Eymard's desire to accomplish great things for God that led him to enter religious life. On August 20, 1839, Fr. Eymard became a member of the Marist Congregation by professing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. THE MARIST YEARS 1839-1856
All his life Peter Julian had an intense devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. He knew about the apparition of Our Lady at La Salette and enjoyed traveling to various Marian shrines [throughout France]. It was Eymard's apostolic work for the Society of Mary that put him in contact with the various currents of eucharistic piety that were flowing in the French Church. Peter Julian, despite his poor physical health, was an unusually energetic and hardworking priest/religious. There was always an enduring desire to enter into contemplation; but with his work, travel, writing, preaching, spiritual direction, and responsibilities as Marist provincial [superior], there was neither the environment nor the time for this desire to be fulfilled very frequently. What did Fr. Eymard do as a Marist? He was an outstanding organizer of lay societies, a zealous educator, a well-prepared preacher, and a bit of a prophet to his fellow priests and even to his religious superiors. Fr. Eymard was quite successful at preaching eucharistic devotions, such as the Forty Hours. He asked his Superior General, Fr. Jean-Claude Colin, for permission to write a eucharistic rule for the Third Order of Mary of which, he, Peter Julian, was the director. Fr. Colin said no. Nevertheless, the idea for such a rule had already been written in the mind and heart of Fr. Eymard. THE S.S.S. YEARS 1856-1868 Founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament was not an easy task for Fr. Eymard. In fact, responding to God's Spirit as a founder involved him in relational conflicts, personally embarrassing situations, financial troubles, and physical exhaustion. His first hurdle was getting the founding of the Congregation approved by several local bishops. When this approval came, Fr. Eymard opened his first community on Rue d'Enfer in Paris. The work of preparation for First Communion, especially among adults, was the aspect of the new eucharistic
venture that had interested the archbishop of Paris and for which he had granted his approbation to the new group founded by Eymard. Other eucharistic communities and organizations were springing up throughout France but Archbishop Sibour rightly perceived that Eymard's intuition about the Eucharist was not limited merely to the worship of the holy sacrament but to actively reach out to those who were estranged from the church and to evangelize them. Father Eymard directed his ministry firstly to the children and young workers that made up a large segment of the labor force of Paris. No sooner did he attract a few men to join him than he had to close this house and move to another location. This happened twice within the span of a few years. These early Eymardian communities were so poor that on several occasions a neighboring convent of sisters fed the fathers and brothers. Not being able to provide the basics of food and shelter did not help Fr. Eymard attract vocations. "GIFT OF SELF" As early as 1845, Eymard began to move away from a spirituality of reparation toward a spirituality of Christ-centered love. Three years prior to his death, Fr. Eymard made a long retreat in Rome. During this retreat, he was powerfully struck by the force of Christ's love within him - a love he felt taking over his whole person. Anticipating the renewal of the Church brought about by Vatican Councils I and II, Eymard had a vision of priests, deacons, sisters, and lay people living lives of total dedication to the spiritual values that are celebrated and contemplated in the Eucharistic celebration and in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Parish Ministry
A parish is a certain community of the Christian faithful stably constituted in a diocese, whose pastoral care is entrusted to a pastor under the authority of the diocesan bishop. (Can. 515 1) We will make our parishes into authentic communities shaped by the Eucharist, source and center of their life.
They shall be: places of proclamation and the living of the Gospel, places of prayer, eucharistic adoration and festive celebration, places of sharing and fellowship, places of freedom and human development. United among themselves, our Religious engaged in parish ministry shall collaborate in a special way with committed lay people. Rule of Life n. 41. We serve at parishes in the Dioceses of Cleveland and St. Petersburg, and in the Archdioceses of Chicago, GalvestonHouston, New York, and San Antonio. The following parishes have web sites, which we invite you to explore: Saint Jean Baptiste - New York, NY Saint Paschal Baylon - Cleveland, OH Saint Vincent de Paul - Holiday, FL Corpus Christi - Houston, TX St. Joseph Parish - San Antonio, TX
These three over-arching elements are examined in detail in the two distinct programs shown below.
Life in the Eucharist: Sacramental Reflections The purpose of this program is to introduce participants to key theological themes which aid in the interior formation and discernment of a true Eucharistic Spirituality. The hoped-for-outcome is that each participant will be drawn into a deeper appreciation and understanding of the total Eucharistic Mystery. Life in the Eucharist: Scriptural Reflections The purpose of this program is to introduce participants to key biblical themes that form the background and theological context out of which the New Testament church began articulating its memory of the last supper and its own experience of celebrating the Lord s Supper.
Novena with Saint Peter Julian Eymard for Prayer in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament
Saint Peter Julian Eymard promoted the frequent reception of Holy Communion and a profound respect for the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. He encouraged prayer in the presence of the Sacrament and felt that this prayer transformed lives. In his memory and honor, we encourage this novena and prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, remembering moments or sayings in Peter Julian's life which focus on Christ and the Eucharist. Included in this novena are eight highlighted moments in the life of Saint Peter Julian reminding us of moments in his life, and the life of Christ. They also reflect for us how we are called to promote Christ in the Eucharist. May this novena deepen our love for Christ and nourish our faith journey. May this novena encourage us, like Saint Eymard, to be apostles of the Eucharist, sharing the gift of ourselves, like Christ, with our talents, gifts and resources, feeding the hungers of the human family. Participation Notes
When done in a communal celebration, or individually, this novena may begin with a song such as Gift of Finest Wheat, Amen, El Cuerpo de Cristo, Ubi Caritas, or some other Eucharistic song that reminds us of how the Eucharist is celebrated and shared in multiple ways and theologies. Please use the music resource in the chapel, church or parish where the novena is being prayed. If done when exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins, or some other holy hour, please consult the ritual Order of Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, and use these texts during the ritual. This novena is appropriately done: Thursdays, the remembrance day of the Lords Supper The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) February 5, the anniversary of Saint Peter Julian Eymards baptism May 13, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament August 2, the memorial of Saint Peter Julian Eymard Other special occasions in the life of your parish
Silent meditation A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by ones self.
A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by ones self.
Leader: Fourth Station: Inspiration to Found the Religious Order Dedicated to the Eucharist
Leader: We adore you O Christ, and we bless you! All: Because by the Holy Eucharist, you feed the world.
Leader: While leading a procession with the Blessed Sacrament, in Lyons, France, Saint Peter Julian was inspired to establish an order completely dedicated to promoting the Eucharist. Mary and Joseph devoted their lives to the care of their child Jesus. He grew in wisdom and knowledge and dedicated himself to doing his Fathers will. We too are called to grow and dedicate ourselves to Christ. We walk in faith, knowing that the road may not always be easy. Like Jesus, we can be lost in the shuffle (cf. Jesus journey with his parents in Jerusalem), however it is helpful for us to know that we are found in the Lord, found in Christs Risen Presence. The Eucharist, showing us Christ, always gives us focus and clarity in our mission to care for ourselves and for others. May we remind ours that our direction, our life, always points to Christ and that as we grow in wisdom and knowledge, we do not keep it for ourselves, but for sharing those gifts with the church and the world. May we dedicate ourselves to living the Eucharist and its values in all we do. Leader: Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the LORD, and the LORD will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:3-4) All: Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the LORD, and the LORD will give you the desires of your heart. Silent meditation A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by ones self.
Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, they would catechize and share the riches of the sacrament with those who did not have a home or family to care for them. We remember those today who still lack affordable housing, meaningful employment, concern for finding their daily bread, a place to lay their head. Christ foretold that discipleship would be challenging and that we are to care for those in need. There would be much rejection and lack of respect. As we remember our reception of Holy Communion, may it never be disjointed from the communion we share with the suffering and the poor. May we be mindful of those in need in our neighborhoods, across town, and across the globe. As humanity hunger, so does Christ hunger. May we catechize and care for the least of our brothers and sisters and so care for Christ. Leader: Commit your way to the LORD; trust and the LORD will act. (Psalm 37:5) All: Commit your way to the LORD; trust and the LORD will act. Silent meditation A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by ones self.
leaders and bring about an embrace of Gods forgiveness. We, through the Eucharist, are bearers of Gods peace and reconciliation. Leader: With the LORD there is mercy, and the fullness of redemption. (Psalm Psalm 130:7) All: With the LORD there is mercy, and the fullness of redemption. Silent meditation A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by ones self.
All: mouth.
I will bless the LORD at all times; praise continually in my My soul boasts in the LORD; the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name
together. Silent meditation A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by ones self.
Leader: We adore you O Christ, and we bless you! All: Because by the Holy Eucharist, you feed the world. Leader: The Eucharist is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. One day we will join with the Risen Lord and be reunited with all the saints in glory. Now we are united with them through this sacred communion. Like those who have gone before us in faith, we are called to witness the reign of God and bring forth the kingdom a kingdom of love, peace, justice, hope and promise. Like Kateri Tekakwitha, Dorothy Day, Peter Julian Eymard, Katherine Drexel, Juan Diego, Oscar Romero, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament & Joseph, Ann & Joachim and others, we are Eucharistic saints who lead others to the Eucharistic Christ. We share our special charism, our gifts, and offer them to the Lord. God blesses and transforms our gifts for others. We share this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to bring forth Gods Eucharistic reign. Leader: One thing I ask of the LORD, this I seek: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4) All: One thing I ask of the LORD, this I seek: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. Silent meditation Period of Intercessions The Lords Prayer
[Benediction/Reposition: God We Praise You, Jesus Christ Yesterday, Today, Forever, or other similar hymn should be sung. See Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist for other liturgical rubrics if this novena ends exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. ] Closing Prayer Leader: Gracious God of our ancestors, you led Saint Peter Julian Eymard, like Jacob in times past, on a journey of faith. Under the guidance of your gentle Spirit let us, like Peter Julian, continue to discover the gift of love in the Eucharist which your Son offered for the hungers of humanity. Grant that we may celebrate this mystery worthily, adore it profoundly, proclaim it prophetically share it generously until you return in glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Blessing Closing Song