A Wonderful Love

​‘We now desire to add a word for the French pilgrims who have come to assist at the glorification of St Peter Julian Eymard, priest, confessor, founder of two religious families consecrated to the worship of the Blessed Sacrament.
 
He is a saint with whom We have been familiar for many years, as We said above, when as Apostolic Nuncio to France, Providence granted Us the happy opportunity to visit his native land, La Mure d’Isère, near Grenoble.
 
We saw with Our own eyes the poor bed, the humble dwelling where this faithful imitator of Christ gave up his beautiful soul to God. You can surmise, beloved Sons, with what emotion We recall that memory on this day when it is given Us to confer upon him the honours of canonisation.
 
The body of St Peter Julian Eymard is preserved in Paris: but the saint is also somehow present at Rome, in the person of his sons, the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament; it is also a sweet memory for Us to recall visits that We used to make to their Church of St Claude-des-Bourguignons (San Claudio), to unite Ourselves for a few moments to their silent adorations.
 
Besides St Vincent de Paul, St John Eudes, the Curé of Ars, Peter Julian Eymard takes his place in the ranks of the incomparable glory and honour of the country that witnessed their birth, but whose beneficial influence extends far beyond, namely, to the whole Church.
 
His characteristic distinction, the guiding thought of all his priestly activities, one may say, was the Eucharist: eucharistic worship and apostolate. Here, We would like to stress this fact in the presence of the Priests and of the Servants of the Most Blessed Sacrament, in presence also of the members of an Association which is dear to the heart of the Pope, that of the Priest Adorers assembled at this time in Rome, who have come in great numbers to honour this great friend of the Eucharist.
 
Yes, dear Sons, honour and celebrate with Us him who was so perfect an adorer of the Blessed Sacrament; after his example, always place at the centre of your thoughts, of your affections, of the undertakings of your zeal this incomparable source of all grace: the Mystery of Faith, which hides under its veils the Author Himself of grace, Jesus the Incarnate Word.
 
Venerable Brethren and dear Sons, such are the lessons inspired by today’s triple canonisation. Our hearts are filled with joy and emotion and from Our lips praise and thanksgiving rise to the Lord who has given new splendour to the countenance of the Church in the year of the Ecumenical Council.
 
New Saint Confessors, Peter Julian Eymard, Anthony Mary Pucci, Francis Mary of Camporosso, stand by the altar of the confession of St Peter while Mass is being offered. Through your intercession maintain in our hearts the extraordinary fervour of this historical hour, by obtaining for mankind abundant gifts of heavenly peace which have their law and their security in Jesus Christ – gifts of peace which are the joy of the Church, the consolation of pastors, the honour of the clergy and of God’s holy people. Amen. Amen’.

from the homily of Pope St John XXIII, 1881-1963
at the Canonisation Mass of St Peter Julian Eymard, 9 December 1962

O God, who didst adorn Saint Peter Julian Eymard with a wonderful love for the sacred mysteries of the Body and Blood of thy Son: graciously grant that we, too, may be worthy to receive the delights he drew from this divine banquet; through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. - Divine Worship: The Missal.