Eudes, Jean, Saint, 1601-1680

John Eudes, CIM (French: Jean Eudes; 14 November 1601 – 19 August 1680) was a French Catholic priest and the founder of both the Order of Our Lady of Charity in 1641 and Congregation of Jesus and Mary, also known as the Eudists, in 1643. He was also a professed member of the Oratory of Jesus until 1643. Eudes was the author of the propers for the Mass and Divine Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He was an ardent proponent of the two devotions and dedicated himself to their promotion and celebration. The Masses he compiled for both Sacred Hearts were both first celebrated within his lifetime. He preached missions across France, including Paris and Versailles, while earning recognition as a popular evangelist and confessor. Eudes was also a prolific writer and wrote on the Sacred Hearts despite opposition from the Jansenists. Eudes was canonised in 1925 and his supporters are now petitioning to have him named a Doctor of the Church.