St. Claude La Colombiere

by Sr. Kathryn James, fsp

What are some of the things you want? You know, maybe you make lists at Christmas for gifts you want. What about those birthday gifts you ask for? Some people desire to be athletes, win the Olympics, write a book, become a mother. We all want different things. But there is one thing we all can desire. I want you to meet someone who lived 400 years ago, but was just declared a saint in 1992. His name is Claude La Colombiere. Claude was born in France in 1641. When he was seventeen he entered the Jesuits. He studied for many years and then was ordained a priest. Claude didn’t want to love Jesus with a weak love. He wanted to love him all the way and give Jesus his whole life. During these first years as a priest something great was happening in his soul. He was being prepared to receive a special message from another saint: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. Jesus had appeared to her and revealed the great love his Sacred Heart had for people. Claude was to spread this message to the world. He spread the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Later, St. Claude was the preacher to the Duchess of York in England. After many years he was falsely accused of conspiring against the King of England and expelled from the country. Four years later Claude died in France. It was February, 1682.

St. Claude wasn’t happy with half-measures.

Claude trusted in God’s mercy and the power of his grace.

He spread the message of the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

He offered to God every difficulty and suffering he had.

He spent many hours reflecting on Jesus’ life.

He was faithful to God’s mission no matter what happened.

 

"To do much for God, one must belong entirely to him."