St. Peter Julian Eymard, ‘the Apostle Of The Eucharist’ Poem by Dr John Celes

Founder, Societas Sanctissimi Sacramenti (SSS)
And Third Order of Mary (Feb 4,1811- Aug 1,1868)

The saint exhorted:

‘Go set the world afire,
For love of Eucharist!
Adore the Lord Jesus
In the Blessed Sacrament.’

‘Glorify God always;
Let Eucharist reign world;
Go often to Jesus,
Alive in Eucharist.’

‘The Holy Eucharist
Is the fountain of life;
Receive the Lord Jesus,
Often into your heart! ’

The cross appeared before mind’s eyes,
And beckoned him to follow it;
‘Give up all worldly, carnal ties, ’
Said Jesus Christ. ‘Follow, grace-lit! ’

The call was loud and clarion;
The Lord had plans for Julian;
There was never much confusion;
God gave him divine fore-vision!

The teenager from country France
Was born when dawned art, music, dance;
His poor physique and poverty,
Delayed life in Seminary.

He tried again when twenty-three,
And was ordained a priest at last;
For the Grenoble Diocese;
His service done became too vast.

Eymard believed in confession,
Repentance and reparation;
This was the soul’s preparation,
For a life of Lord’s adoration.

The spirit grows stronger in Christ,
With frequent communion athirst;
The Marist years made him good priest;
His love of Jesus never ceased.

He practiced vows of chastity,
Obedience and poverty;
His Eucharistic piety,
Engulfed the French Church freely.

Despite his poor physical health,
He grew in Lord Jesus Christ’s wealth.
His love of Christ seized upon him;
He gifted his whole self to Him!

‘The Apostle of the Eucharist’
Spread devotion to Jesus Christ;
To him, Jesus was always first –
That was why he became a priest.

‘O Sacrament, most Holy!
O Sacrament divine;
All praise and thanks-giving,
Be every moment, Thine! ’

Copyright by Dr John Celes 13-10-10