John Berchmans
Encyclopedia
Saint John Berchmans (13 March 1599 – 13 August 1621) was a Jesuit seminarian
and is a saint
in the Roman Catholic Church
. He is the patron saint of altar server
s.
situated in what is now the Belgian
province of Flemish Brabant
. By nature he was kind, gentle, and affectionate towards his parents and a favorite with his playmates during his childhood. He was brave and open, attractive in manner, and with a bright, joyful disposition. However, he was also impetuous and fickle. Still, when John was but seven years of age, M. Emmerick, his parish priest, already remarked that the Lord would work wonders in the soul of the child. Many are the details that reveal him to us as he was in the Society of Jesus
. When he was nine years old his mother was stricken with a long and serious illness. John would pass several hours each day by her bedside, and console her with his affectionate (yet serious) words. Later, when he lived with some other boys at M. Emmerick's house, he would do more than his share of the domestic work, preferring the more difficult tasks. If he was loved by his friends he repaid their affection by his kindness, without deviating from the dictates of his conscience. It was even noticed that he availed himself discreetly of his influence over them to correct their negligences and to restrain their frivolous conversation. Eager to learn, and naturally gifted with a bright intellect and a good memory, he devoted himself to study whenever he could spare the time from his ordinary recreation.
What distinguished John Berchmans the most from his companions was his piety. When he was barely seven years old, he already had the habit of rising early and serve two or three Masses with the greatest fervour. He attended religious instructions and listened to Sunday sermons with the deepest attention. John also made pilgrimages to the sanctuary of Scherpenheuvel, a few miles from Diest
, either reciting the rosary as he went, or being absorbed in meditation. As soon as he entered the Jesuit college at Mechelen
, he was enrolled in the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, and made a resolution to recite her Office daily. Moreover, every month he would ask the director of the sodality to prescribe for him some special acts of devotion to Mary. On Fridays, at nightfall, he would go out barefoot and make the Stations of the Cross
in the town. Such fervent piety won him the grace of a religious vocation.
. His family was decidedly opposed to this, but on 24 September 1616, John Berchmans was received into the novitiate at Mechelen
. After two years passed in Mechelen he made his first vows, and was sent to Antwerp to begin the study of philosophy. Remaining there only a few weeks, he set out for Rome
, where he was to continue the same study. After journeying three hundred leagues on foot, carrying his belongings on his back, he arrived at the Roman College, where he studied for two years. He passed on to the third year class in philosophy in the year 1621. In early August of that same year, John Berchmans was selected by the prefect of studies to take part in a philosophical discussion at the Greek College, which at that time was under the charge of the Dominicans
. John opened the discussion with great clarity and profoundness, but on returning to his own college he was seized with a violent fever, of which he died soon after at the age of twenty-two years and five months.
During the second part of his life, John was an example of the type of saint
who performs ordinary actions with extraordinary perfection. In his purity, obedience, and admirable charity he resembled many religious figures, but he surpassed them all by his intense love for the rules of his order. The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus
lead those who observe them exactly to the highest degree of sanctity, as has been declared by Pope Julius III
and his successors. The attainment of that ideal was what John aspired to himself. "If I do not become a saint when I am young", he used to say "I shall never become one". That is why he displayed such wisdom in conforming his will to that of his superiors and to the rules. He would have preferred death to the violation of the least of the rules of his order. "My penance
", he would say, "is to live the common life... I will pay the greatest attention to the least inspiration of God." He observed this fidelity in the performance of all his duties until the last day of his life, as is attested by his spiritual directors, the Fathers Bauters, Cepari, Ceccoti, Massucci, and Piccolomini. When he died, a large crowd gathered for several days to see him before his burial in Sant'Ignazio
, and to invoke his intercession. The same year, Phillip, Duke of Aarschot
, had a petition presented to Pope Gregory XV
to gather information with a view to the beatification of John Berchmans.
in 1865, and was canonized in 1888. His statues represent him with hands clasped, holding his crucifix, his book of rules, and his rosary
.
One of his miracles happened at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau
. He appeared to novice Mary Wilson. When the Academy opened a boys division in 2006, it was named St. John Berchmans School.
) was issued by the Belgian postal department in 1965. What follows is an incomplete list of schools and churches named in honor of the saint:
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
and is a saint
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
in the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. He is the patron saint of altar server
Altar server
An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian religious service. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell and so on....
s.
Early life
John Berchmans was born in the city of DiestDiest
Diest is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. Situated in the northeast of the Hageland region, Diest neighbours the provinces of Antwerp to its North, and Limburg to the East and is situated around 60km from Brussels. The municipality comprises the city of...
situated in what is now the Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
province of Flemish Brabant
Flemish Brabant
Flemish Brabant is a province of Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium. It borders on the Belgian provinces of Antwerp, Limburg, Liège, Walloon Brabant, Hainaut and East Flanders. Flemish Brabant also completely surrounds the Brussels-Capital Region. Its capital is Leuven...
. By nature he was kind, gentle, and affectionate towards his parents and a favorite with his playmates during his childhood. He was brave and open, attractive in manner, and with a bright, joyful disposition. However, he was also impetuous and fickle. Still, when John was but seven years of age, M. Emmerick, his parish priest, already remarked that the Lord would work wonders in the soul of the child. Many are the details that reveal him to us as he was in the Society of Jesus
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
. When he was nine years old his mother was stricken with a long and serious illness. John would pass several hours each day by her bedside, and console her with his affectionate (yet serious) words. Later, when he lived with some other boys at M. Emmerick's house, he would do more than his share of the domestic work, preferring the more difficult tasks. If he was loved by his friends he repaid their affection by his kindness, without deviating from the dictates of his conscience. It was even noticed that he availed himself discreetly of his influence over them to correct their negligences and to restrain their frivolous conversation. Eager to learn, and naturally gifted with a bright intellect and a good memory, he devoted himself to study whenever he could spare the time from his ordinary recreation.
What distinguished John Berchmans the most from his companions was his piety. When he was barely seven years old, he already had the habit of rising early and serve two or three Masses with the greatest fervour. He attended religious instructions and listened to Sunday sermons with the deepest attention. John also made pilgrimages to the sanctuary of Scherpenheuvel, a few miles from Diest
Diest
Diest is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. Situated in the northeast of the Hageland region, Diest neighbours the provinces of Antwerp to its North, and Limburg to the East and is situated around 60km from Brussels. The municipality comprises the city of...
, either reciting the rosary as he went, or being absorbed in meditation. As soon as he entered the Jesuit college at Mechelen
Mechelen
Mechelen Footnote: Mechelen became known in English as 'Mechlin' from which the adjective 'Mechlinian' is derived...
, he was enrolled in the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, and made a resolution to recite her Office daily. Moreover, every month he would ask the director of the sodality to prescribe for him some special acts of devotion to Mary. On Fridays, at nightfall, he would go out barefoot and make the Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross refers to the depiction of the final hours of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St...
in the town. Such fervent piety won him the grace of a religious vocation.
Call to the Society of Jesus
Towards the end of his rhetoric course, John felt a distinct call to the Society of JesusSociety of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
. His family was decidedly opposed to this, but on 24 September 1616, John Berchmans was received into the novitiate at Mechelen
Mechelen
Mechelen Footnote: Mechelen became known in English as 'Mechlin' from which the adjective 'Mechlinian' is derived...
. After two years passed in Mechelen he made his first vows, and was sent to Antwerp to begin the study of philosophy. Remaining there only a few weeks, he set out for Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, where he was to continue the same study. After journeying three hundred leagues on foot, carrying his belongings on his back, he arrived at the Roman College, where he studied for two years. He passed on to the third year class in philosophy in the year 1621. In early August of that same year, John Berchmans was selected by the prefect of studies to take part in a philosophical discussion at the Greek College, which at that time was under the charge of the Dominicans
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
. John opened the discussion with great clarity and profoundness, but on returning to his own college he was seized with a violent fever, of which he died soon after at the age of twenty-two years and five months.
During the second part of his life, John was an example of the type of saint
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
who performs ordinary actions with extraordinary perfection. In his purity, obedience, and admirable charity he resembled many religious figures, but he surpassed them all by his intense love for the rules of his order. The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
lead those who observe them exactly to the highest degree of sanctity, as has been declared by Pope Julius III
Pope Julius III
Pope Julius III , born Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte, was Pope from 7 February 1550 to 1555....
and his successors. The attainment of that ideal was what John aspired to himself. "If I do not become a saint when I am young", he used to say "I shall never become one". That is why he displayed such wisdom in conforming his will to that of his superiors and to the rules. He would have preferred death to the violation of the least of the rules of his order. "My penance
Penance
Penance is repentance of sins as well as the proper name of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox Christian, and Anglican Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation/Confession. It also plays a part in non-sacramental confession among Lutherans and other Protestants...
", he would say, "is to live the common life... I will pay the greatest attention to the least inspiration of God." He observed this fidelity in the performance of all his duties until the last day of his life, as is attested by his spiritual directors, the Fathers Bauters, Cepari, Ceccoti, Massucci, and Piccolomini. When he died, a large crowd gathered for several days to see him before his burial in Sant'Ignazio
Sant'Ignazio
The Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola at Campus Martius is Roman Catholic titular church dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, located in Rome, Italy...
, and to invoke his intercession. The same year, Phillip, Duke of Aarschot
Aarschot
Aarschot is a city and municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, in Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium. The municipality comprises the city of Aarschot proper and the towns of Gelrode, Langdorp and Rillaar. On January 1, 2006 Aarschot had a total population of 27,864...
, had a petition presented to Pope Gregory XV
Pope Gregory XV
Pope Gregory XV , born Alessandro Ludovisi, was pope from 1621, succeeding Paul V on 9 February 1621...
to gather information with a view to the beatification of John Berchmans.
Path to sainthood
John Berchmans was declared BlessedBeatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
in 1865, and was canonized in 1888. His statues represent him with hands clasped, holding his crucifix, his book of rules, and his rosary
Rosary
The rosary or "garland of roses" is a traditional Catholic devotion. The term denotes the prayer beads used to count the series of prayers that make up the rosary...
.
One of his miracles happened at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau
The Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1821 in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, is an independent, Catholic school for girls in Pre-Kindergarten-3 through grade twelve, with residential accommodations for students in grades seven through twelve...
. He appeared to novice Mary Wilson. When the Academy opened a boys division in 2006, it was named St. John Berchmans School.
Recognition
A philatelic stamp, featuring John Berchmans (alongside his parental home in DiestDiest
Diest is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. Situated in the northeast of the Hageland region, Diest neighbours the provinces of Antwerp to its North, and Limburg to the East and is situated around 60km from Brussels. The municipality comprises the city of...
) was issued by the Belgian postal department in 1965. What follows is an incomplete list of schools and churches named in honor of the saint:
- St. John Berchmans College (DiestDiestDiest is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. Situated in the northeast of the Hageland region, Diest neighbours the provinces of Antwerp to its North, and Limburg to the East and is situated around 60km from Brussels. The municipality comprises the city of...
, Belgium) - St. John Berchmans College (WestmalleWestmalleWestmalle is a village which is located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The village itself is part of the municipality of Malle.-Tourism:...
, BelgiumBelgiumBelgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
) - St. John Berchmans High School (BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
, Belgium) - St. John Berchmans College (GenkGenkGenk is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg near Hasselt. The municipality only comprises the city of Genk itself...
, Belgium) - St John's Beaumont (Old WindsorOld WindsorOld Windsor is a large village and civil parish in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in the English county of Berkshire.-Location:...
, BerkshireBerkshireBerkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
, EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
) - St. John's High SchoolSt. John's High School, RanchiSt. John's High School is a school in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.The school was founded in 1887 and named the following year after Saint John Berchmans, a young Belgian Jesuit who had been canonised in Rome that year. The school is situated at Purulia Road, and educates pupils from class 7 to class...
(Purulia Road, RanchiRanchi-Climate:Ranchi has a humid subtropical climate. However, due to its position and the forests around the city, it is known for its pleasant climate. Its climate is the primary reason why Ranchi was once the summer capital of the undivided State of Bihar...
, JharkhandJharkhandJharkhand is a state in eastern India. It was carved out of the southern part of Bihar on 15 November 2000. Jharkhand shares its border with the states of Bihar to the north, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the west, Orissa to the south, and West Bengal to the east...
, IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
) - St. John Berchmans High School (Tinpahar, Jharkhand, India)
- St. John's Jesuit High School and AcademySt. John's Jesuit High School and AcademySt. John's Jesuit High School and Academy comprises two schools on the same campus: St. John's Jesuit High School and St. John's Jesuit Academy. It is located within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo. Both are private, all-male Jesuit schools in Toledo, Ohio.-History:St. John's was founded...
(Toledo, OhioToledo, OhioToledo is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Lucas County. Toledo is in northwest Ohio, on the western end of Lake Erie, and borders the State of Michigan...
) - Colegio San Juan Berchmans (CaliCalìCalì, also written in English as Cali, is an Italian surname, widespread mainly in the Ionian side of Sicily.For the surname Calì is assumed the origin of the Greek word kalos , or from its Sanskrit root kali, "time."The surname refers to:...
, ColombiaColombiaColombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
) - St. John's College (Belize CityBelize CityBelize City is the largest city in the Central American nation of Belize. Unofficial estimates place the population of Belize City at 70,000 or more. It is located at the mouth of the Belize River on the coast of the Caribbean. The city is the country's principal port and its financial and...
, BelizeBelizeBelize is a constitutional monarchy and the northernmost country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official...
) - St. Berchmans CollegeSt. Berchmans CollegeSt.Berchmans' College Changanassery also known as S. B. College, is one of the most reputed Colleges in Kerala, India situated in the town of Changanassery 18 kilometers south of Kottayam. Established in 1922, the college has grown over the years into one of the leading colleges with thirteen...
(Changanacherry, KottayamKottayamKottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
) - St. John Berchmans School (Grand Coteau, LouisianaGrand Coteau, LouisianaGrand Coteau is a town in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 1,040 at the 2000 census. Grand Coteau is on Interstate 49 south of Opelousas and is part of the Opelousas–Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area. The town is a center for local farming...
)
- St. John Berchmans Parish and School (Cupples Road) San Antonio, Texas
- St. John Berchmans ChurchSt. Jan Berchmans Church, BrusselsThe Church of St. John Berchmans is the Roman Catholic church of the Collège Saint Michel of Brussels, Belgium. Founded by the Society of Jesus at the turn of the 20th century, the church is dedicated to the Belgian jesuit saint St. Jan Berchmans....
, attached to the Collège St Michel (Brussels, Belgium) - St. John Berchmans Parish and School (Logan SquareLogan Square, ChicagoLogan Square is one of the 77 city-designated community areas located on the near northwest side of the City of Chicago. The name, used here to describe the community area defined by U.S. census tracts, also applies to one of a number of smaller, more loosely defined residential neighborhoods...
, ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, IllinoisIllinoisIllinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
) - Cathedral of St. John BerchmansCathedral of St. John BerchmansThe Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shreveport, in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States...
(Shreveport, LouisianaShreveport, LouisianaShreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
)