Saint John Berchmans holds a special place among scholastics in the Society of Jesus, as his life exemplifies a profound simplicity and devotion that continues to inspire us today. Born in 1599, he lived during a time of great religious and political turmoil as history tells us if the reformation struggles in Europe during that time. Yet, even amid such challenges, he found his vocation and pursued it with unwavering determination. His story is a beacon for all of us who seek to live a life of virtue, humility, and service.
St. John Berchmans’ désire and journey to sanctity began early in his life. As one of five children, he strived and treasured a virtue of responsibility and concern for his family and neighbors. We learn how when his mother fell gravely ill, he spent countless hours by her side, embodying the virtues of charity and patience. This early experience shaped him towards a compassionate spirit, which later became one of his defining virtue and character. His decision to join the Society of Jesus despite the obstacles he faced and the challenging religious times he lived in further highlight his burning passion for religious life. When he expressed his desire to become a Jesuit, as we learn, his father, out of love and concern, opposed the idea and even withdrew financial support for him and his studies. Despite this, John’s resolve remained firm.
His courage to follow God’s call, even at great personal cost, inspires us on his feast day to reflect on the strength of our own convictions to our life calls and vocations. How often do we let fear or external pressures deter us from pursuing what we know in our hearts to be right? St. John’s spirituality was deeply rooted in the ordinary things, which I believe helped him to detach from financial deterring attempts and see the will of God in the ordinary things. St. John Berchmans is not known for a lot of dramatic miracles or extraordinary deeds. He is known for his virtue of finding holiness in the small, and simple things in everyday acts of life. His fidelity to prayer, his attention to the spiritual exercises and Ignatian spirituality, and his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, teach us that sanctity is not beyond reach. It is found in the daily commitment to love, to service, and to faithfulness.
One of the most moving aspects of his life is his devotion to Mary. For us, this devotion is an invitation to rediscover the power of prayer and to cultivate a personal relationship with Our Lady, Mary Mother of God. Through the Rosary, we too can find strength, guidance, and peace. St. John Berchmans’s love for the Society of Jesus and its charism also shines through in his life. He found inspiration in Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and the English Jesuit martyrs, who demonstrated unwavering faith in the face of persecution. St. John Berchmans’s desire to become a chaplain in the army, hoping to die as a martyr, speaks of his zeal for service and his readiness to give everything for Christ. As a Jesuit scholastic myself, I find St. John Berchmans’s virtues profoundly relevant. His humility reminds me to approach each day with an open heart, recognizing that God works through even the simplest moments.
His charity challenges us to extend kindness and compassion to all, especially those in need. His fidelity in following the spiritual exercises and Ignatian spirituality inspires me to embrace even more the spiritual exercises and the rules of discernment, which guide us toward deeper union with God. When I meditate on St. John Berchmans, I am reminded of the importance of integrating faith into every aspect of our lives. His life encourages us to find God in all things, whether through our studies, our relationships, or our daily responsibilities. He calls us to reflect on our vocation, to deepen our prayer life, and to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is uncertain.
Today, as the patron saint of altar servers, Jesuit scholastics, and students, he reminds us that our ordinary efforts, offered with extraordinary love, can transform the world. Let us draw inspiration from Saint John Berchmans. May his example encourage us to embrace simplicity, to seek holiness in the ordinary, and to remain steadfast in our devotion to Christ and His Mother. Through his intercession, may we grow in virtue and become witnesses to God’s love in our lives. For this we pray to the Lord, Amen.
Saint John Berchmans, pray for us.