February 15 + Saint Claude de la Colombiere

Claude de la Colombiere promoted the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was the confessor of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

Born of French noble parents in 1641, Claude's young years were happy ones, as he was close to his family and friends, leading an active social life. He entered the Jesuit novitiate at 17 and commenced a life of study and teaching. After his ordination, he taught at the Jesuit college in Lyons, preached and served as moderator for several Marian congregations.

After 15 years of Jesuit life, Claude took a personal vow to observe the Rule and Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. He was named rector at the Jesuit college at Paray-le-Monial, France. While in Paray, Claude became the spiritual advisor for Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque. The Lord was revealing to Margaret Mary visions of His compassionate heart for the world.

Margaret Mary was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about what she was experiencing. The Lord instructed through Margaret Mary that the world be devoted to His Sacred Heart. Claude assured Margaret Mary that her visions were authentic. He also instructed her to write down all that she had experienced. In accepting the authenticity of Margaret Mary’s visions, Claude pledged himself to the mission of spreading the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Claude also became the appointed preacher for the Duchess of York (later Queen of England). He moved to London where he worked to reconcile former Catholics with the Church. In 1678 he was caught in a web of lies spun by Titus Oates about an alleged plot by Jesuits to kill Charles II. Claude, in spite of failing health, was thrown into prison and later exiled to France. He died in 1682 in Paray-le-Monial at the age of 41.