The Eudist family
A family serving mercy
The life and mission of Saint John Eudes inspired a spiritual family whose members continue his work in the Church and alongside people in difficult circumstances.
Three fields of mission
During his lifetime, Saint John Eudes focused his ministry on the formation and spiritual support of priests, welcoming people on the margins, and affirming the baptismal dignity of lay people, called to be God’s hands and feet in the world. In all things, he sought to embody God’s love and mercy.
A family that continues to bear fruit
The Congregation of Jesus and Mary, the Eudists, continues to form priests and Church leaders and seeks new paths for evangelization. The Religious of the Good Shepherd accompany women in difficult circumstances and serve in more than 70 countries. Eudist associates continue the mission of prayer and charity entrusted to lay people. Jeanne Jugan, formed within this spiritual family, founded the Little Sisters of the Poor. Mother Antonia Brenner founded the Eudist Servants of the 11th Hour in Tijuana, Mexico.
Disruption and renewal
On the eve of the French Revolution, the Eudists directed about fifteen seminaries, as well as colleges and parishes. The Revolution scattered the Congregation; four priests, including Vicar General François-Louis Hébert, were martyred in Paris and beatified in 1926. In 1826, Pierre Blanchard began restoring the Congregation. The Eudists renewed their work in Christian education and, from 1883, resumed priestly formation in Colombia. They settled in Canada in 1890 to provide education and pastoral care.
A worldwide presence
The Eudist family is now present across regions and cultures. The map shows places where Eudists serve. Communities and works are found in France, Colombia, North America, Venezuela, Africa, the Philippines, and the Province of Minuto de Dios. The General House is in Rome, and the International Union for Eudist Spirituality is in Bogotá. To learn more or share in the mission, contact spirituality@eudistsusa.org.