Saint John Francis Regis (1597 - 1640)

Memorial June 16  (in our diocese)
Optional Memorial December 31

by Fr. Paul Turner

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Profile:  John Francis Regis was a son of a wealthy merchant, educated at a Jesuit college in Beziers, France.  He became a Jesuit at age 18, was a preacher and catechist, who was so good that children he taught helped bring their parents back to the Church.  He became a priest at age 34, worked with plague victims and taught at Pamiers.

Father Regis was skilled at preaching and was sent to provinces in France where many had abandoned the Church.  He preferred to spend his time preaching, teaching and hearing confessions.  He wanted to travel to the New World and minister to Native Americans, but was not allowed to do this.

He established hostels for prostitutes who wished to leave the business.  These were called Daughters of Refuge.  Father Regis became the patron saint of lacemaking and social workers.

He was known for miraculous healing, but said, "every time God converts a hardened sinner he is working a far greater miracle."  Regis died December 30, 1640, at age 43 of pleurisy and pneumonia.

John Francis Regis was canonized June 16, 1737.

Sources:  www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj09.htm
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