St. Regis

John Francis Regis was born in Foncouverte a village in France on January 31, 1597. His parents were both from noble families and his oldest brother was killed at the siege of Villemur. John Francis was a shy, quiet, devout child. He went to the new Jesuit school in Beziers and at first his many hours spent in prayer drew derision from his schoolmates, but many of them soon came to follow him. He became dangerously ill at age eighteen and suffered the illness patiently. Soon after he recovered he joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). As a novice he was devout, humble, and eager to serve in the most difficult tasks, bathing the sores of the sick, making beds, waiting tables. He made his vows in 1618 and continued his studies in theology and philosophy. He delighted in preaching to the poor and teaching catechism to children and he was known for helping families work out their differences. In 1621 he began teaching in three schools of the humanities. He was devoted the spiritual, physical, and academic welfare of his students. In 1630 he was ordained and celebrated his first Mass with great joy. He was a wonderful preacher and his superiors sent to preach missions through many regions of France. He had great success with this and everywhere he went he tended to the needs of the poor, especially the sick. He opened hostels for prostitutes wanting to change their lives. He helped establish women in the lacemaking and embroidery trades so that they would not have to seek employment in the large cities. He performed miracles, curing two blind people on one occasion. Most people took delight in the holy priest, but he met with opposition and violence from some quarters. On several occasions he converted people who threatened him. John Francis Regis died on December 30, 1640 after developing pneumonia while preaching a mission during bitter cold. He was canonized in 1737. St. John Francis Regis is the patron of lace makers, embroiderers, social workers, and medical social workers.