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Saint Peter Julian Eymard, known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and for founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, is a revered saint in the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of Eucharistic adoration and of those who work in the Eucharistic apostolate.
Peter Julian Eymard was born on February 4th, 1811, in La Mure d'Isère, France, to a family of modest means. He experienced a deep sense of vocation from an early age and was ordained a priest in 1834. After several years serving as a parish priest, Eymard became interested in promoting devotion to the Eucharist and founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in 1856, in Paris. The congregation's primary focus was the promotion of Eucharistic adoration and the spiritual growth of its members.
Eymard's life was characterized by his intense devotion to the Eucharist and his desire to promote it among the faithful. He wrote extensively on the subject, including works such as "The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist," "The Holy Eucharist," and "The Eucharistic Handbook."
In addition to his work in promoting Eucharistic devotion, Eymard was also active in promoting the veneration of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He believed that devotion to Mary was essential to a deepening of one's relationship with Christ and often referred to her as "the first and greatest adorer of the Eucharist."
Despite his many accomplishments, Eymard's life was not without its difficulties. He struggled with his health throughout his life and experienced several setbacks in his work promoting Eucharistic devotion. Nevertheless, he persevered in his mission, and his legacy has endured to this day.
Eymard's work in promoting devotion to the Eucharist was recognized by the Catholic Church, and he was declared venerable in 1908. He was later beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962. His feast day is celebrated on August 2nd.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard's life is a testament to the power of deep devotion and faith. His dedication to promoting Eucharistic adoration have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and continue to inspire many people to this day.