Guardian Angels News

Memorial of Saint Peter Julian Eymard – August 2

Posted by Father Joe Connelly on

Apostle of the Eucharist

Each year on August 2, the Church celebrates the memorial of Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811–1868), a French priest renowned for his deep love of the Holy Eucharist and for fostering devotion to Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Born near Grenoble, France, Peter Julian Eymard was drawn to the Eucharist from an early age. After becoming a priest in the Society of Mary (the Marists), he recognized an even deeper call: to dedicate his life to adoration of the Eucharist and to lead others to discover its inexhaustible riches.

In 1856, responding to this call, he founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament—a religious community devoted to perpetual adoration and to promoting love for Jesus in the Eucharist through preaching, catechesis, and Eucharistic processions. His vision was not limited to the cloister: he worked tirelessly to help laypeople center their lives on the Eucharist, believing that it is the source and summit of Christian life.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s writings overflow with Eucharistic devotion. He taught that in the Eucharist, Christ offers us His abiding presence, strength for our daily struggles, and an invitation to deeper union with Him. For Eymard, adoration was not just a pious exercise but a transforming encounter with the living God.

Canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962, Saint Peter Julian Eymard remains an inspiration for all who seek to love Christ more deeply, especially in the gift of the Blessed Sacrament.

As we honor Saint Peter Julian Eymard, let us renew our devotion to the Eucharist, asking him to help us grow in love and reverence for this great mystery.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Apostle of the Eucharist, pray for us!

In Christ,

Fr. Joe Connelly

You are invited to spend time with our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration here at Guardian Angels:

  • Tuesdays from 6:00–7:00pm
  • Wednesdays from 9:00am–Noon

 

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