Today November 26

Today is the feast of that young Jesuit, St. John Berchmans, (1599 - 1621). Although he died of a mysterious illness at age 22, he was already a priest (he took his first vows September 2, 1618 in Malines) and was vigorously studying still in Rome. Although it would be interesting to see how he developed later in life, his spirituality was already quite mature -- and remarkably similar to that other youthful saint, St. Therese of Lisieux. "Set great store on little things," he wrote, and worked tirelessly to live up to that. He didn't practice any wild or excessive penances, and even said, "My penance is to live the common life." He did little things for others, denied himself little treats, and always smiled, even when he sure didn't feel like it.

He'd been a sentimental young man, much attached to his mother, but she died when he was quite young. His shoemaker father had to think of the other brothers and sisters coming up, but let him study for the priesthood, such was John's fervent desire. He enjoyed plays and sometimes performed in sacred dramas. He kept his conscience quite clear and displayed remarkable purity. He didn't draw attention to himself and mastered his will and pride, writing, "I like letting myself be ruled like a baby a day old." He even called his program his "little way"!

He endured his final grave illness with courage and good humor. When part of his treatment called for bathing his temples in wine, he said, "It is lucky such an expensive illness will not last long!" And it didn't.

He died four days later. His last words were: "Nothing at all" -- in answer to Father Cornelius' question as to whether he had anything on his conscience, apparently as an offer to hear his confession, if necessary. Good St. John, pray for us.