KIDS’ CORNER

Born in 1811, St. Peter Julian Eymard grew up in a poor family in southern France. He loved the Eucharist from an early age. When he was six his sisters lost him, but found him at last in the local church with his head bowed close to the tabernacle. He said he wanted to listen to Jesus better and more.

St. Peter Julian endured many hardships while growing up. He suffered from illnesses his whole life, lost his mom when he was a teenager and his dad when he was 20, and struggled through strained relationships, money troubles, and public embarrassment. He also grew up after the French Revolution, which was a time in France where many people did not like the Church or its priests.

Despite all of these difficulties, he became a priest at age 23. St. Peter Julian loved the Eucharist and he loved Mary, so he joined the Marianist order, whose members devote themselves to thinking like Mary and loving others as she would. His love for Mary and his Marianist brothers helped him grow in love for Jesus the Eucharist.

As he grew older, St. Peter Julian noticed that many people did not know how deeply Jesus’ loved all people. To help others know of God’s love and God’s presence with them in the Eucharist, at age 45, he created his own order, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. God gave him the grace and skills he needed to found the order, including organization and a love for teaching others about the Eucharist and the Catholic faith. He was known for speaking the truth and was a dynamic homilist. Known as the “Apostle of the Eucharist,” he died at age 57. August 1 marks his feast day and 155 years since he died.

St. Peter Julian Eymard is the patron saint of Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church in New York City.

Young St. Peter Julian Eymard Altar Scene

Printable Craft Directions thecatholictelegraph.com/ MCMAug22Craft

thecatholictelegraph.com/ MCMAug22Video

“The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but Heaven itself.”

Craft Directions Video

Supplies:

• Altar Craft Template (printed on cardstock) • One extra piece of cardstock (the wall) • Popsicle stick • Scissors • Glue • Scotch tape • Colored pencils/crayons

Apostle Blessed Congregation Eucharist Grace Jesus Listening Marianist Mary Preaching Presence Sacrament