Saint of the Day for February 15: St. Claude de la Colombière

Ash Wednesday is the Beginning of Forty Days of Spiritual Battle and Penance, by Prosper Guéranger
February 14, 2024
Of “Healing Priests” and Other Strange Intrusions, by Fr. John A. Perricone
February 15, 2024

Image: Saint Claude de la Colombière statue, Saône-et-Loire, France | Benoît Prieur

 Franciscan Media,  Feb 15, 2021

 Saint Claude de la Colombière’s Story – (February 2, 1641 – February 15, 1682)

This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. It’s also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion Claude de la Colombière promoted, along with his friend and spiritual companion, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on God’s love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time.

Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later, he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy. It was there he first encountered Margaret Mary Alacoque. For many years after he served as her confessor.

He was next sent to England to serve as confessor to the Duchess of York. He preached by both words and by the example of his holy life, converting a number of Protestants. Tensions arose against Catholics and Claude, rumored to be part of a plot against the king, was imprisoned. He was ultimately banished, but by then his health had been ruined.

He died in 1682. Pope John Paul II canonized Claude de la Colombière in 1992.


Reflection

As a fellow Jesuit and as a promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Claude must be very special to Pope Francis who has so beautifully emphasized the mercy of Jesus. The emphasis on God’s love and mercy are characteristic of both men.

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-claude-de-la-colombiere