26/11/2024
*ST JOHN BERCHMANS*
PATRON OF ALTAR BOYS*
*November 26*
_John is originally a Hebrew male name which means *Graced by God*_
John was born at Diest, a small town in Belgium, in 1599. Of the five children in the family, three entered the religious state. As a boy, John had a very great devotion to Holy Mass and the rosary.
When John was about nine years of age, his mother became ill. As many hours of each day as could be spared from school and other duties, he devoted to helping his suffering mother. For three years he was a pupil of a pastor of a parish who prepared the boy for the priesthood. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in Michelin and later traveled to Rome on foot to continue his studies.
After studying philosophy for three years, he was selected by His superiors to take part in a public debate. Before the debate was ended, he became ill. During the evening of August 12th, 1621, he clasped his rosary, his crucifix and the book of rules, and said "these are my three treasures, with these I shall gladly die". On August 13th, he passed away, his eyes still fixed upon his "treasures".
May we have a true devotion to the rosary and detach ourselves from the things of this life. St John Berchmans, pray for us especially all Alter Knights and Ladies.
In 1888, Pope Leo XIII Canonized him.
Happy feast day to all Altar Knights and Ladies. St John Berchman, pray for us. Amen
_Roncalli_
