John Charles Berchmans was born in Diest, Belgium in 1599 to a shoemaker and his wife. He was a pious child who grew up to be a gentle and cheerful young man. Berchmans was educated by the Premonstratensian Order and later joined the Jesuits, despite his father’s initial disapproval. He was known for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and his love of serving Mass.
Berchmans died of the Roman fever in 1621 at the age of 22. His death was followed by an outburst of devotion, and he was later canonized as a saint. One of the miracles used in his canonization was the cure of a young woman in Louisiana who was suffering from a terminal illness.
Berchmans is often referred to as the “Saint of the Common Life” and is the patron saint of altar boys. He is remembered for his simple and faithful discharge of his duties, and his devotion to the altar. His feast day is celebrated on November 26.
Litany to Saint John Berchmans
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Response: Pray for us.
St. John Berchmans, whom the Lord preserved from evil,
St. John Berchmans, who did all things well,
St. John Berchmans, faithful in little things,
St. John Berchmans, devoted server at Holy Mass,
St. John Berchmans, obedient to your parents,
St. John Berchmans, submissive to your teachers,
St. John Berchmans, model for your companions,
St. John Berchmans, who from the earliest childhood chose the Blessed Virgin as guardian of your chastity,
St. John Berchmans, who so tenderly called Mary ‘Mother,’
St. John Berchmans, zealous promoter of devotion to Mary,
St. John Berchmans, mirror of the religious life,
St. John Berchmans, lover of the Blessed Sacrament,
St. John Berchmans, lover of the missions,
St. John Berchmans, lover of mortification,
St. John Berchmans, faithful to your holy Rule,
St. John Berchmans, faithful imitator of St. Aloysius,
St. John Berchmans, ornament of the Society of Jesus,
St. John Berchmans, model of students,
St. John Berchmans, patron of youth. …
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, that we Your servants may follow the example of innocence and fidelity by which the angelic St. John Berchmans consecrated his life and service to You, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, Saint John Berchmans,
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
V: Let Us Pray Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, that we Your servants may follow, in Your service, the example of innocence and fidelity by which the angelic St. John Berchmans consecrated to You the flower of his youth, through Christ Our Lord.
R. Amen.