By Fr Hedwig Lewis, SJ –
John Berchmans was born in Diest, Flanders, in Belgium, on 13 March 1599, the oldest of five children. His father was a master shoemaker and tanner. Given the religious atmosphere in his family, not only John would opt for the priesthood, but also his father joined the diocesan seminary after his mother’s death and was ordained a priest in a few years. Two of John’s brothers became diocesan priests.
On his way to school, John would stop by the parish church, where he learned to serve at Mass. From the age of seven he would wake up as early as 5 a.m. in order to serve at two or three Masses. Those who observed him would later testify that he displayed a natural reverence at the altar and a pious demeanour when receiving Holy Communion. He was often heard to remark: “If I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall never become one.”
Owing to economic constraints, John’s father withdrew him from school. Providentially, a kind pastor in Deist, who was running a boarding for boys intent on becoming priests, took John in and allowed him to attend school in exchange for his services as a servant. John did not shy from performing the most menial or difficult tasks. His motto was: “Do what you do wholeheartedly.” The pastor would later testify to John’s maturity, courteousness, and studiousness. In 1612, the Canon of the Cathedral in Mechlin, who managed a similar boarding, accepted John as a servant so that he could continue his schooling.
When the Jesuits opened a college in Mechlin in 1615, the Canon got Berchmans enrolled. Given his intellectual acumen, he was admitted directly to the highest class, and soon distinguished himself by his academic performances.
The Jesuits had instituted the Sodality of Our Lady, which Berchmans eagerly joined. It was reported that every day he recited lying prostrate on the ground, the Office of the Blessed Virgin; whilst on Saturdays, and the eves of her great feasts he fasted in our Lady’s honour. He also found time for prayer, kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament.
At school, he closely observed the Jesuits and was deeply impressed by their religiosity, sociability, and dedication. He felt called to become a Jesuit. His desire turned to a decision after he read the short biography of the saintly Aloysius Gonzaga, just published at the time.
His father made several attempts to persuade him to become a diocesan priest so that he could support the family, but Berchmans would brook no compromises. After several attempts to make him reconsider his decision, his parents yielded to his wishes. On 24 September 1616, Berchmans entered the Jesuit novitiate in Mechlin.
From the novitiate on Berchmans began a new phase of his life. He wrote in his spiritual journal: “I will pay the greatest attention to the least inspiration of God.” He used trifles as stepping stones on his path to holiness. He observed the Rules of the Order with exemplary fidelity to the minutest detail. Nothing was too small or humiliating for him – everything was the will of God. He created a new motto: “Do the most with the least”. He appeared so joyful at all times that his companions nicknamed him “Brother Happy!”
Given his exceptional intellectual abilities, he was selected, in 1618, to go to Rome for his course in Philosophy. He felt privileged when he was allotted the room that Aloysius Gonzaga had occupied.
Rome was ‘home’ to an overwhelming number of migrants from across the continent. Berchmans, moved with compassion for them, began learning all the chief languages of Europe in order to minister to them eventually. He also dreamed of serving as a missionary in China after ordination – and hopefully die a martyr.
In July 1621, toward the end of his course in theology, because of his brilliant academic record, he was assigned to appear at a “public disputation” at the college. His health had suffered from the effort he had put into studying for his final examination, and he became steadily weaker as he prepared for the disputation. His presentation was brilliant. However, the strain, compounded by a severe bout of dysentery, left Berchmans excessively debilitated.
Aware that the end was near, he asked for his crucifix, rosary and book of Rules. “These are my three dearest treasures,” he declared, “and with them I shall gladly die.” He spent his final night in prayer and on 13 August 1621, clasping his “treasures” close to his heart breathed his last. After his death, even before his burial, miracles were reported throughout Rome. His heart was removed and sent to Belgium, where it is preserved in a reliquary and venerated to this day. St Berchmans is the Patron Saint of Altar-Servers.
Hedwig Lewis, SJ is a prolific author and writer. <[email protected]>