St. Peter Julian Eymard

Feast day: August 2

Born in France, Peter was ordained in 1834. After working for a time in a parish, he joined the Marist Fathers and became known for his preaching. In 1856, Peter was granted dispensation from his vows so he could fulfill his hope of establishing a new congregation. This body, the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament, took as its primary purpose the heightening of devotion to the Eucharist. After success in founding the congregation for men, Peter added a similar one for women, receiving encouragement throughout from St. John Vianney. He was canonized in 1962. Peter is patron of Eucharistic devotion.

Collect

O God, who adorned Saint Peter Julian Eymard
with a wonderful love for the sacred mysteries
of the Body and Blood of your Son,
graciously grant
that we, too, may be worthy to receive
the delights he drew from this divine banquet.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.