Saint Claude La Colombière

St. Claude La Colombière, born on February 2, 1641, was the third child of Bertrand La Colombière and Margaret Coindat. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in Avignon at 17 and showed remarkable preaching skills before his ordination in 1675. As superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy, he met Margaret Mary Alacoque, who was awaiting a "faithful servant and perfect friend" from the Lord to help her reveal the depths of His love.

Margaret Mary shared her visions from the Lord with Claude, who accepted their authenticity and encouraged her to write them down while providing support for her mission. His spiritual notes indicate that he contemplated the Heart of Christ, reflecting St. Ignatius's directives.

In 1676, Father La Colombière was appointed as a preacher to the Duchess of York in London, a challenging role due to the political climate. He used this opportunity to help individuals reconnect with the Church, leading sermons in the palace chapel and offering spiritual guidance through personal and written communication.

The intense pace of his work and poor climate took a toll on Claude's health, leading to the onset of a serious pulmonary disease. In late 1678, he was falsely accused and arrested due to the Titus Oates "papist plot." After two days, he was moved to the harsh King's Bench Prison, where he endured poor conditions for three weeks before being expelled from England by royal decree, further deteriorating his health. On February 15, 1682, during Lent, he suffered a severe hemorrhage that resulted in his death. Pope John Paul II canonized him on May 31, 1992. According to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Claude La Colombière's charism was bringing souls to God along the gospel path of love and mercy that Christ revealed to us.

St. Claude La Colombière, obtain for us the grace to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)