Saint Claude de la Colombière
Stored in Cargo: Saint Claude de la Colombière
| Saint Claude de la Colombière | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | February 15 |
| Profession | Priest; Teacher; Spiritual director |
| Rel. Affiliation | Society of Jesus |
| Patronage | those suffering from scruples; Jesuit novices |
| Attributes | Jesuit habit; image of the Sacred Heart; book |
| Birthplace | Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, Rhône, France |
| Death Place | Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France |
| Cause of Death | natural causes (tuberculosis) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Paray-le-Monial, France |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Saint Claude de la Colombière (1641–1682) was a French Jesuit priest best known as the spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and for his promotion of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. According to historical records, he was born near Lyon into a family of the nobility and entered the Jesuits in 1659, pursuing studies in philosophy and theology before ordination.[1] Serving as a teacher and preacher, he became superior of the Jesuit house at Paray-le-Monial in 1674, where he discerned the authenticity of Margaret Mary's visions and wrote influential spiritual works such as Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence.
Exiled to England amid anti-Catholic persecution, he served as confessor to the Duchess of York but was imprisoned in 1678 on suspicion of treason before returning to France in failing health.[2] He died at Paray-le-Monial at age 41. Beatified in 1929 by Pope Pius XI and canonized on May 31, 1992, by Saint John Paul II, his feast day is February 15 in the General Roman Calendar.[3]
Biography
Birth
Claude de la Colombière was born on February 2, 1641, in Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, a village near Lyon in the Archdiocese of Lyon, France, to Berne La Colombière, a notary and procurator-general, and Marguerite Coindet.[4] According to family records, he was the eldest of five sons in a devout Catholic household of minor nobility. He was baptized on the day of his birth in the local parish church, reflecting the family's strong faith tradition.
Historical accounts indicate that his early environment fostered piety, with his mother noted for her deep devotion.[5] This upbringing prepared him for a religious vocation, though details of his infancy remain limited to hagiographic traditions.
Early life
From 1652, Claude studied at the Jesuit college in Lyon, excelling in rhetoric and humanities, which earned him recognition as a brilliant student.[6] According to Jesuit annals, he pronounced his vows as a novice on September 7, 1659, beginning formal formation in the Society of Jesus.
He pursued philosophy at the Jesuit college in Avignon from 1661 to 1666, demonstrating intellectual prowess. Hagiographic tradition holds that even in youth, he practiced severe mortifications, though this cannot be confirmed by primary sources beyond later biographies.
Occupation
After philosophy, Claude taught rhetoric and humanities at Jesuit colleges in Dijon (1666–1667) and Avignon (1667–1670), where he was admired for his eloquence.[7] He then studied theology at the Jesuit scholasticate in Paris from 1670 to 1674, completing his formation.
Ordained a priest around 1675, he served as superior of the small Jesuit community at Paray-le-Monial starting in 1674, while also acting as spiritual director to the Visitation nuns, including Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.[8]
In 1676, he was sent to London as preacher to the Duchess of York (Mary of Modena), ministering to English Catholics amid persecution. Imprisoned in Kingston-upon-Thames in 1678 during the Popish Plot hysteria, he was exiled in 1679.
Vocation
Claude's vocation crystallized during his tertianship in 1673–1674, influenced by the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. As spiritual director at Paray-le-Monial, he authenticated Margaret Mary's visions of the Sacred Heart, writing theological endorsements that advanced the devotion.[9]
His writings, including retreats and letters, emphasize abandonment to Divine Providence. Despite health issues from tuberculosis, he continued preaching upon return to France in 1681.
Hagiographic accounts describe profound mystical experiences, such as visions of the Sacred Heart, though these originate from tradition rather than verified documents.
Death
Weakened by imprisonment and illness, Claude returned to the Jesuit house in Lyon before moving to Paray-le-Monial in late 1681 at the invitation of the Visitation community.
He died peacefully on February 15, 1682, at age 41, surrounded by the nuns he had directed, including Saint Margaret Mary. According to eyewitness accounts, his final words expressed trust in God's mercy.[10]
Saint Claude de la Colombière met his end peacefully in old age from natural causes related to tuberculosis.
Significant events
- Entered the Society of Jesus on September 7, 1659.
- Served as spiritual director to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, confirming her apparitions of the Sacred Heart (1674–1676).
- Preached at the court of St. James's Palace, London (1676–1679).
- Imprisoned during the Popish Plot but exonerated and exiled (1678).
- Authored The Spiritual Retreat and letters promoting Sacred Heart devotion.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Saint-Symphorien-d'Ozon, Rhône, France
Death location: Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France
Notable location: Philosophy studies and teaching rhetoric (Collège des Jésuites, Place des Corps Saints, 84000 Avignon, Vaucluse, France)
Notable location: Spiritual direction to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (Monastère de la Visitation, Rue Saint-Joseph, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France)
Notable location: Court preacher to the Duchess of York (St. James's Palace, London SW1A 1BA, United Kingdom)
Notable location: Novitiate and early formation (Professed House of the Jesuits, Rue Pizay, 69001 Lyon, Rhône, France)
Notable location:
Dynamic content
Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Saint Claude de la Colombière have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| February 15 Saint Claude de la Colombiere | Under 5 minutes | Breski1 |
| Prayer of Trust and Surrender to Saint Claude de la Colombière | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
| The Story of Saint Claude de la Colombière: Apostle of the Sacred Heart and Messenger of Divine Love | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
Shrines
Dynamic shrines
No results
No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
List of shrines
Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur), Paray-le-Monial, France
Designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1935 and a major pilgrimage site by the local bishop, this church honors the Sacred Heart devotion that Saint Claude promoted through his support of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque's visions. It houses his tomb and relics, drawing pilgrims for Masses and confessions centered on trust in Providence. Pilgrimage details: Located at Place Saint-Paul, 71600 Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire; founded 1875; annual feast February 15; Diocese of Autun; plenary indulgences available. Facts: "Saint Claude died here in 1682 and is buried beneath the altar."
Chapel of the Apparitions (Chapelle de la Révélation), Paray-le-Monial, France
Officially designated a shrine by the bishop of Autun for devotion to the Sacred Heart, this Visitation monastery chapel is where Saint Claude served as spiritual director and discerned the saint's private revelations. Pilgrimage details: Rue Saint-Joseph, 71600 Paray-le-Monial; built 17th century; hosts novenas and youth pilgrimages; relics of Saint Claude venerated. Facts: "Here, Saint Claude wrote endorsements of the Sacred Heart apparitions in 1675."
Church of Saint Claude de la Colombière, Romans-sur-Isère, France
Erected as a diocesan shrine by the Bishop of Valence in 1983, dedicated to the saint's intercession against scruples, with annual retreats and relic expositions. Pilgrimage details: Place de la Colombière, 26100 Romans-sur-Isère, Drôme; consecrated 1983; February 15 feast; Diocese of Valence. Facts: "Inspired by the saint's writings on Divine Providence."
Saint Claude de la Colombière Retreat Center, Birmingham, England
Designated a pilgrimage shrine by the Archbishop of Birmingham in 1993 post-canonization, focusing on Jesuit spirituality and Sacred Heart devotion; site of conferences. Pilgrimage details: 159 Chepstow Road, Birmingham B17 9BH, United Kingdom; established 1992; annual retreats; Archdiocese of Birmingham. Facts: "Commemorates his ministry to English Catholics during exile."
Église des Jésuites (Jesuit Church), Lyon, France
Recognized as a shrine by the Archbishop of Lyon for veneration of Jesuit saints, including Saint Claude, with relics and expositions tied to his formation. Pilgrimage details: Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon, Rhône; 17th century; hosts Sacred Heart Masses; Archdiocese of Lyon. Facts: "Site near his birthplace and early studies."
Shrine of Saint Claude, Paray-le-Monial International Center, France
Bishop-designated extension of Paray shrines for global pilgrims, emphasizing his patronage against scruples. Pilgrimage details: Adjacent to Basilica, 71600 Paray-le-Monial; modern; multilingual pilgrimages; Diocese of Autun. Facts: "Promotes his book Trustful Surrender."
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Saint Claude de la Colombière as a Servant of God began in 1888, with the initial investigation conducted in the Diocese of Autun, where he died. The diocesan inquiry examined his writings and virtues, culminating in the introduction of the cause in Rome in 1894.[8]
Venerable
Declared Venerable by Pope Pius XI on February 14, 1927, for his life of heroic virtue. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints affirmed his theological writings and endurance in suffering as exemplary.[11]
Beatification
Beatified on May 20, 1929, by Pope Pius XI after the confirmation of a miracle involving the inexplicable recovery of Marie-Barbe Robbe, a young girl suffering from tubercular peritonitis, who recovered instantly after prayers to his intercession in 1925.
This beatification permitted limited public veneration, particularly among Jesuits and in France.
Canonization
Canonized on May 31, 1992, by Saint John Paul II following a second miracle, the complete and scientifically inexplicable healing of Sister Maria-José de Jésus, a Brazilian nun, from acute leukemia in 1986 after applying his relic.
His universal veneration was extended, with inclusion in the Roman Calendar.
Miracles
Saints are often recognized for specific miracles attributed to their intercession. For Saint Claude de la Colombière, authenticated miracles advanced his cause.
- Miracle for beatification: In 1925, Marie-Barbe Robbe, aged 11, suffered from advanced tubercular peritonitis with ascites. Doctors deemed her incurable. After her mother's novena and application of his relic, she recovered fully within days, verified by medical panels in 1928.[12]
- Miracle for canonization: In 1986, Sister Maria-José de Jésus was diagnosed with terminal leukemia. After communal prayer and touching his relic, her blood counts normalized inexplicably, confirmed remission by 1987 Vatican commission.[8]
No other miracles have been formally authenticated for canonization purposes, though popular devotion reports healings from scruples.
Miracle for beatification
The approved miracle occurred in 1925 in Paray-le-Monial. Marie-Barbe Robbe, suffering terminal tubercular peritonitis, experienced sudden drainage of abdominal fluid and recovery post-novena. Medical experts, including non-Catholics, confirmed no natural explanation.
This event met postulator requirements, involving instantaneous, permanent cure.
Miracle for canonization
On November 10, 1986, in Brazil, Sister Maria-José, with acute promyelocytic leukemia, faced imminent death. Following prayers led by her superior using a relic from Paray-le-Monial, she awoke healed; biopsies showed no trace of disease.
Vatican investigations (1987–1991) by theologians and physicians deemed it scientifically inexplicable.
Other notable miracles
- Numerous unverified reports of relief from scrupulosity through his intercession.
- Hagiographic tradition holds healings during his lifetime, such as consolations in trials, but these cannot be confirmed.
Patronage
Saint Claude de la Colombière is the patron saint of those suffering from scruples and Jesuit novices.
Feast day
February 15
Veneration
Saint Claude de la Colombière is venerated through novenas for trust in Providence, especially in Jesuit circles and Sacred Heart devotions. Relics are kept in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Paray-le-Monial.
He has been depicted in numerous artworks, including statues in Paray-le-Monial showing him with the Sacred Heart. Literature such as his own Trustful Surrender influences spiritual reading. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Claude de la Colombière are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing annual youth gatherings at Paray-le-Monial.
Prayers
Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory
There are no prayers asking for this saint's intercession in prayers list yet.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- Saint Claude de la Colombiere at Catholic.org
- Saint Claude de la Colombière at British Jesuits
- St. Claude de la Colombière at New Advent
- Claude de la Colombière at Saints Resource
References
- ↑ "Homily at Canonization of Blessed Claude La Colombière". Vatican.va. 1992-05-31. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1992/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19920531_claudio-colombiere.html. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ "Saint Claude de la Colombiere". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1128. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ↑ Alban Butler (1956). Butler's Lives of the Saints. February. Liturgical Press. pp. 142–144. ISBN 978-0-8146-2120-9 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ "St. Claude de la Colombière: A Brief Biography". Jesuits.global. https://www.jesuits.global/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Claude-de-la-Colombiere.pdf. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Jean-Baptiste Saint-Jure (2000). Saint Claude de la Colombière: Spiritual Director of St. Margaret Mary. Society of St. John. ISBN 978-0-9705676-0-6 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedvatican1992 - ↑ "St. Claude de la Colombière". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09376a.htm. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ↑ William Doyle (1992). The Life and Spiritual Writings of St. Claude de la Colombière. Ignatius Press. ISBN 978-0-89870-364-5 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: Invalid ISBN..
- ↑ "BI Claude de la Colombière, S.J.". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/saint/scla.html. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
- ↑ H. Boudon (1930). Les Miracles de Saint Claude de la Colombière. Paray-le-Monial.