Saint John Francis Regis (1597–1640) was a French Jesuit priest who spent his life preaching missions among the poor and forgotten of rural southern France. He walked from village to village in all weather, caring especially for the sick, the outcast, and children, and he died of illness at Lalouvesc while preaching a winter mission. He was canonized in 1737, and his feast is kept on June 16.
John Francis Regis shows that holiness is found in quiet, faithful love — showing up for people day after day without seeking notice. His tenderness toward the small and the suffering reminds us that no act of kindness is wasted, and that God draws close to us through gentle, persevering hearts.
Saint John Francis Regis, friend of the poor and the little ones, pray for us and for all we love, that we may serve God with gentle and faithful hearts. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →