Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim todays saint as one of their own. Its also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesusa devotion Claude de la Colombire promoted, along with his friend and spiritual companion, SaintMargaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on Gods love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time.
Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later, he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy. It was there he first encountered Margaret Mary Alacoque. For many years after he served as her confessor.
He was next sent to England to serve as confessor to the Duchess of York. He preached by both words and by the example of his holy life, converting a number of Protestants. Tensions arose against Catholics and Claude, rumored to be part of a plot against the king, was imprisoned. He was ultimately banished, but by then his health had been ruined.
He died in 1682. Pope John Paul II canonized Claude de la Colombire in 1992.
As a fellow Jesuit and as a promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, SaintClaude must be very special to Pope Francis who has so beautifully emphasized the mercy of Jesus. The emphasis on Gods love and mercy are characteristic of both men.
