St. John Berchmans

John Berchmans was born March 13, 1599 in Brabant, Germany. He had a kind, gentle nature, although at times he could be impetuous. Even as a child he was very devout, rising early to serve as an altar boy for two or three Masses. He was precocious and devoted to his parents; when his mother was seriously ill, the nine year old boy sat at her bedside many hours each day trying to console her. Young John was a leader of among his companions, encouraging them to be good. He early felt called to religious life. In September 1616 he entered the Society of Jesus. He distinguished himself by his studies and piety, saying “If I don’t become a saint while I am young, I will never become one.” He was sent to Rome and studied there for two years. He took part in an important philosophical discussion early in August 1621 and fell ill when he returned to his college. After suffering from a fever for several days, John died on August 13, 1621; he was twenty-two. The public immediately venerated his body and asked for his intercession; many miracles were attributed to him. John Berchmans was canonized in 1888. He is one of the patrons of youth.