SaintsforSinners.com

Johnnes Berchmans’ story took place long ago. Born in Brabant, Belgium in the late 16th century, Johann was the son of a shoemaker and a devoted alter boy. His dad wanted him to follow in his shoemaker footsteps but John had other ideas. He spent his youth caring for his ill mother. When he was 16, he decided to become a Jesuit after reading about the life of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. He prophetically said, “If I don’t become a saint when I am young, I never will.” John studied in Rome and it was his dream to help care for migrants in China. He studied hard and became fluent in several languages. John defended the virtues of his faith in a debate. Soon after, he died of unknown causes and did not live to be ordained or travel to China. But all through his life, Johannes Berchmans was a happy, helpful and hopeful person. His acts of charity, kindness and courtesy were well known to all who knew him. John never chose to live in the limelight and shows us that the act of being a good person with unabiding faith are simple and profound attributes. He inspired many through his virtuous life. He died young and became a saint in 1888 after he was canonized by Pope Leo XIII. After his Mom dies, his dad left the cobbling business and followed in the path of Johann and entered the priesthood.

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