St. John Berchmans, a Remarkable Role Model for our Youth and Patron Saint of Altar Servers

This is about a young man who became a saint. He did not found any religious orders or have any miracles attributed to him. He did not commit ant great acts of heroism or adhere to a life of poverty. Rather, John Berchmans became a saint by being kind, courteous, and incredibly loyal to the faith.

John was born on March 13, 1599, in a town called Diest, located in the northeast part of Belgium. His father was shoemaker. John, one of five children, became an altar boy at the age of seven. His parish priest, Father Emmerick, noticed John’s genuine piety and even commented to others that the Lord would work wonders in the boy’s soul.

When John was nine, his mother took ill; he spent hours at her side doing his best to comfort and care for her. She passed on when he was about thirteen, and Father Emmerick allowed John to move in with him and some other boys he had living there.

He became fast friends with the others at the priest’s home and never failed to take on the most menial of tasks and complete them to the best of his ability. He was always kind and never would stray from doing what his conscience told him was right. His kindness and intelligence were a great example to the other students, and the young man proved to be a profound influence on them.

John then read the biography of  St. Aloysius Gonzaga and decided he wanted to be a Jesuit. At the age of 17, he was able to enroll as a Jesuit novitiate at the Jesuit College at Malines, Belgium. He worked hard at his studies and, inspired by the life of St. Aloysius, had developed a desire to teach all the multi-lingual migrants that were in Europe. In 1618 he was sent to Rome for more education.

John Berchmans was very poor. His journey to Rome was not easy. He had to walk to Rome, a distance of 300 “leagues” (about 900 miles). Carrying all his worldly goods in a sack slung across his back, he made it to Rome to begin his studies. How long the journey took is unknown.

In addition to studying rhetoric and philosophy, John managed to study different languages with his ultimate goal being to become a missionary in China. In his third year at the Roman College, John was selected to take part in a philosophy debate run by the Dominicans at the Greek College. John was brilliant in his arguments and carried the day. However, on the way home, he became very ill.

John Berchmans’ illness turned into a quick downward spiral. He seemed to have a cold, which turned into other unknown maladies, and he died within a week of becoming ill. Today, it is believed that dysentery caused his death. The young man was only twenty-two years old, and had not lived long enough to be ordained.

John Berchmans was known for his extreme piety and for being diligent in all matters, even those involving the most trivial of tasks. When he died he was holding onto his rosary, a crucifix and the Rule of his order. As he was dying, he said, “These are my three treasures; with these, I shall gladly die.“

Many miracles were attributed to John’s intercession after his death and, as a result, the famous “altar boy” developed a huge following, especially in Belgium. In fact, over 24,000 portraits of him were given out within a few years of his death. He is known for his devotion the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Lady, to whom he composed a Chaplet in honor of the Immaculate Conception.

John Berchmans died on August 13, 1621. He was canonized a saint on January 15, 1888. He is the patron saint of altar servers and students. He is also a true role model for all youth of today.

St. John Berchmans, please pray for us all.

Copyright 2018 Larry Peterson