St. Peter Julian Eymard

Peter Julian Eymard spent his priesthood drawing souls to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Born at La Mure in 1811, the son of a cutler, he had to persevere through family opposition and poor health before he could complete his formation. He was ordained for the diocese of Grenoble in 1834 and later entered the Society of Mary. Years of preaching, spiritual direction, and prayer gradually clarified a more particular call: a religious family devoted to the worship of Christ in the Eucharist.

In Paris in 1856, with Father Raymond de Cuers, Eymard began the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Its members joined sustained adoration to an active apostolate, especially preparing adults and poor young workers for First Holy Communion at a time when many Catholics received rarely. Eymard wanted adoration to lead outward into instruction, charity, and a more faithful sacramental life.

With Marguerite Guillot he also founded the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament in 1858. His remaining years were spent establishing the young communities, preaching, guiding souls, and enduring the strain that the work placed on already fragile health. He died at La Mure on August 1, 1868. His life keeps one clear center from beginning to end: love for Christ truly present in the Eucharist and the desire to bring others into that love.