biography of saint peter julian eymard

Biography of Saint Peter Julian Eymardby 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 intoauthentic communitiesshaped 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, Galveston-Houston, 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

Life in the Eucharist:A Ministry of Eucharistic Evangelizing

Our mission is to assist the Church in forming Christian communities whose center of life is the Eucharist. This is accomplished in collaboration with lay women and men according to the example of St. Peter Julian Eymard. Our hope is to allow the Eucharist to take hold of our lives so completely that we live this mystery fully and proclaim its meaning to others.

Life in the Eucharist (LITE) is a parish-based, religious formation program. Our programs are intended to introduce three essential elements of contemporary Eucharistic spirituality:

1. celebration of the liturgy of the Eucharist;2. contemplation of the Eucharist in adoration; and,3. communion of the Eucharistwith the suffering.

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 Eymardfor 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 Lord’s Supper The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus

Christi) February 5, the anniversary of Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s

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

Leader: First station: Gift of Self

Leader: We adore you O Christ, and we bless you!

All: Because by the Holy Eucharist, you feed the world.

Leader: Jesus gave his life to us from the Cross. After celebrating the Passover and giving himself to his apostles at the Last Supper, through bread and wine, he processed, bearing our sins to the ultimate sacrifice of his life on the cross. His Body and Blood feed us from the Cross, the altar of Calvary. His mother stood at his side, offering a perfect sacrifice to the Lord God. The beloved disciple, you and I, stand there too, feeding off of the love of the Lord. We, too, as Peter Julian Eymard said, are to give of ourselves for one another, nourishing others through the Body of Christ.

Leader: I love you Lord, my strength! (Psalm 18: 2)All: I love you Lord, my strength!

Silent meditation

A verse from a song mentioned above may be sung or read aloud communally or by one’s self.

Leader: Second Station: Called to be a Priest



Leader: By our baptism, we are anointed “priest, prophet and king.” We are called to serve the Lord, to listen to his call, and be the disciples who shares our gifts and talents with the community. God has uniquely blessed each one of us. Peter Julian knew that God called him to a special ministry – to be an ordained minister for the church. He would go to church and listen to God speak to him in a special way. We are in special communion with our God through our vocation. We are continuously asked to listen to where God is leading us! To open our hearts to where God desires us to share our gifts for the life of the world. In communion with Christ, the saints, and Mary, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, may we build on the foundation of the apostles and others, to serve God faithfully in our call as priestly people, making a perfect sacrifice to God with our many gifts. We pray for others to be strengthened in their call to be single or married, serving the church in this vocation. We pray, too, for others to hear the call to serve the church as a sister, nun, brother, monk, deacon, diocesan priest or religious priest, especially following in the footsteps of Saint Peter Julian Eymard.

Leader: My vows I will pay before those who fear God.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever! (Psalm. 22:25-26)

All: My vows I will pay before those who fear God.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever!

Silent meditation


Leader: Third Station: Tomorrow Will Be Too Late



Leader: We are all on a journey through life. Saint Peter Julian was constantly on the go. He would take time, during his travels, to visit his family. His sisters would always implore him to stay longer. He would say that God was calling him now to work for the many. As Christ would share his life for the many, Peter Julian, like us, are called to share and promote the Good News of Christ; to especially promote Eucharistic sharing. We pray for our families. We pray for the rough journeys and those many rocky roads in our lives. We pray that we may not be anxious, but always look ahead to tomorrow and the days ahead. We pray that the Eucharist will take away our fears and our worries and help us to move forward in the direction that God would have us.

Leader: But you, O LORD, do not be far away!

O my help, come quickly to my aid! (Psalm 22:19)

All: But you, O LORD, do not be far away!

O my help, come quickly to my aid!

Silent meditation


Leader: Fourth Station: Inspiration to Found the Religious Order Dedicated to the Eucharist



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 Father’s 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 Christ’s 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


Leader: Fifth Station: First Communion in Paris



Leader: Saint Peter Julian had the inspiration to share the Body and Blood of Christ with those in need in the streets of Paris, especially the young. With the 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


Leader: Sixth Station: Priests for Others



Leader: Saint Peter Julian and Saint John Vianney were unique presbyters, caring for the needs of their parishioners. They shared their special gifts, especially listening to others, and giving spiritual advice and

concern. Many would seek them out to hear their wisdom and know of God’s love. We, too, are called to always show the face of Christ to others and to witness of our faith. We are called to heal, forgive and bring reconciliation to others. Christ manifested true reconciliation through the Eucharist and asked that the Father forgive his children for not knowing what we do, say or how we act. As we pray with the Eucharist, may we be mindful of those areas in our lives that need reconciliation. May we reconcile with our family, friends and co-workers, and pray for this same spirit of reconciliation among our world leaders and bring about an embrace of God’s forgiveness. We, through the Eucharist, are bearers of God’s 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


Leader: Seventh Station: Apostle of the Eucharist



Leader: During the Second Vatican Council, Pope John XXIII promoted the “source and summit” of our life, the Eucharist. Through study, writings and the renewal of the liturgy and our understanding of the Mass, we realize that we are called to live what we celebrate in the Eucharist. Our life is to be thanksgiving! Our life, as a gift, is blessed, broken and shared for the hungers of humanity. Like the bread and wine, we are transformed and renewed as the Body of Christ, to go forth into the world to share the Good News of the reign of God. Saint Peter Julian was named, “the apostle of the Eucharist.” We, too, are called, through

the power of the Eucharist to evangelize, sharing the meal and sacrifice that renews our covenant with the Lord. We “do this” in memory of the Risen Lord. We live the life of Christ, through the vision which is Eucharist – called to share the riches of this sacrament and to feed those in need and make our entire lives a perfect adoration of the one who has blessed us with gifts.

Leader: I will bless the LORD at all times; praise continually in my mouth.

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. (Psalm 34: 1-3)

All: I will bless the LORD at all times; praise continually in my mouth.

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


Leader: Eighth Station: For Thy Eucharistic Kingdom Come (ARTE) Leader: We adore you O Christ, and we bless you!


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 God’s 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 Lord’s 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 Spiritlet us, like Peter Julian, continue to discover the gift of lovein the Eucharist which your Son offered for the hungers of humanity.Grant that we may celebrate this mystery worthily,adore it profoundly,

proclaim it propheticallyshare it generouslyuntil you return in glory.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Blessing

Closing Song

biography of saint peter julian eymard

Documents