Saint Claude la Colombière (1641-1682)

Saint Claude la Colombière heard God's call early on to join religious life. He joined the Jesuits, and was educated in Lyons, France, at a Jesuit college. Claude had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart's divine love for humanity helped Claude combat the Jansenists, who were popular heretics of the time. He became Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque's spiritual director and confessor. Margaret also shared in his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Claude was sent to England to act as confessor to the duchess of York. Through his preaching and his exemplary holy life, Claude converted many English Protestants to Catholicism. Rumors of plots against the king circulated throughout England, turning many people against Claude and his fellow Catholics. He was incarcerated, and the conditions in the prison caused his health to deteriorate. He was finally banished instead of being martyred, but soon died due to his poor health. Saint Claude la Colombière was canonized in 1992, and is the patron saint of toymakers and turners.