Profile
Claude was born to the French nobility. He felt a call to religious life early. He was educated at Jesuit college in Lyons, France.
Claude became a priest. He taught humanities at Avignon, France and he continued his studies in Paris, France. He was a tutor as well. He preached against Jansenism, advocating dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Claude joined the Jesuits in 1659. He was the spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque. He was also the chaplain to Mary Beatrice d’Este, the Duchess of York. He converted many Protestants through the example of his holy life.
Due to rumors of “Popish plots” against the king and the re-establishment Catholicism, Claude was imprisoned, accused of being part of the Titus Oates Plot. It was only by the efforts of Louis XIV, who had recommended him for the assignment, that he was not martyred.
Claude was banished from England. His health had been ruined by his time in prison, and he returned to Paray to die. The day after his death, Saint Margaret received supernatural assurance that Claude needed no prayers, as he was already in heaven. He is considred a “dry” martyr, having suffered every abuse for the faith except death.
Born
- 2 February 1641 at Saint-Symphorien d’Ozon, Rhône, France
Died
- 15 February 1682 at Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France of hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Venerated
- 11 August 1901 by Pope Leo XIII
Beatified
- 16 June 1929 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized
- 31 May 1992 by Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy
Patronage
- toy makers
- turners
Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-claude-de-la-colombiere/
