jan -i-

John Berchmans was born in Diest on March 13, 1599.

At Baptism he was named John in honor of St. John the Baptist. The child had a quick temper, but - under the careful religious training of his mother - grew up as gentle as a lamb.

At a great sacrifice, his father placed him, when still very young, under the direction of Father Peter Emmerich, a monk of the Premonstratensian Order, who was in charge of the Church of Our Lady of Diest, and who had in his house a kind of seminary for the training of boys who wished to become priests.

During the three years Berchmans spent in this school, he won the admiration of all by his mature judgment, good conduct, and love of prayer. In fact, his whole time was taken up with study and prayers, which he knew well how to combine.

He did not take part in the games in which boys of his age usually engaged, but it must not be imagined that he was therefore sad or disagreeable in disposition. On the contrary, he was always cheerful. He sacrificed the sports in order to have more time to study and to pray.

We are told by his teacher, Canon Emmerich, that he went to Communion twice a month, as also on the feasts of our Lord and of the Blessed Virgin. He always prepared himself for this holy duty by many and fervent prayers.

In his great love for the God of the Eucharist, he resembled strikingly the angelic youth St. Aloysius. When in the act of receiving Holy Communion, there was something heavenly in his countenance. His deep recollection, the modesty of his downcast eyes, and his sweet devotion were subjects of admiration for all who chanced to see him. His love for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was remarkable even from his earliest years.

~bron~