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St. John Berchmans

Patron Saint Of Altar Servers

This Belgian saint once said, “IF I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall never become one.” In fact, he died at the early age of twenty-two, and without any doubt, he had reached his goal of sanctity.

St. John Berchmans was born the eldest son of a shoemaker in 1599 at Diest, Belgium. As a child, he stayed very close to his sick mother. Still, he liked to join in with his young friends in putting on plays about Bible scenes. He was especially good at playing the part of Daniel defending the innocent Susanna. By the time he was 13, he wanted to begin studying for the priesthood. However, his father, a shoemaker, needed his help in supporting the family. Finally, Mr. Berchmans decided to let John become a servant in the household of a priest. From there, he could go to classes in the seminary.

Three years later, John Berchmans entered the Society of Jesus. He prayed, studied hard, and enthusiastically acted out parts in religious plays. He made a motto: “Have great care for little things,” and he lived up to it. St. John Berchmans never performed any great, heroic deeds, but he did every little thing well, from waiting on tables to copying down notes on his studies.

When he became sick, no doctor could discover what illness he had. Yet, John knew he was going to die. He was very cheerful as always. When the doctor ordered that his forehead be bathed in wine, John joked; “It’s lucky that such an expensive sickness is not going to last long.”

John Berchmans died at the age of 22 on 13 th August 1621. Miracles took place at his funeral. Right away, people began to call him a saint. He was canonized in 1888 and is the patron saint of altar boys. His feast day is on 26 th November.

This saint can be a model for every young person. He was a good son, a diligent student, and a dedicated Christian. John worked hard to become a saint. He prayed, especially to the Blessed Mother.

Prayer for Altar Servers

 

Prayer for Altar Servers

God bless you, lad, forever,
and keep you in His care,
and guard you that you never
belie the robes you wear.

For white bespeaks untainted
a heart both tried and true;
and red tells love the sainted
and the holy martyrs knew.

Throughout life, then, endeavour
God’s graces to employ;
and be in heart forever
a holy altar boy.

St. John Berchman,S.J.,
Patron Saint of Altar Boys