(1811-1868) The “fool of the Blessed Sacrament” was born to a poor French family in post-Revolution France. Suffering from chronic poor health, Peter was ordained at 23, joined the Marist Fathers at 28, and founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament at 45 to promote devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He was a friend of Saint John Vianney and died at 57 following a stroke.

Theology and reason can take us a long way, but there remains a jumping-off point of faith. Absolute certainty, in the strict philosophical sense, is unattainable in this life, not even in science. When we falter with our trust in God, we find our Step 2 weak. Can He really restore sanity? Are miracles possible? How do we deal with weakened hope and faith? Where can we find restoration? (Hint: One way is captured in the quote below.)

“You will find all in the Eucharist: the warm words you want to hear, the knowledge and the miracles you need — yes, even the miracles” (Saint Peter Julian Eymard).

Reflection by Brad Farmer