Celebrating St. John Francis Regis on June 16.
Saint John Francis Regis, a 17th-century Jesuit priest, is best known for his tireless evangelization, compassionate service to the poor, and deep commitment to the dignity of every soul. Born in France in 1597, he was a gifted preacher who traveled on foot through rural regions, often in harsh conditions, to bring the Gospel to those forgotten by society. He served plague victims, reformed prostitutes, and worked to establish safe homes and employment for vulnerable women—often facing resistance and slander in the process.
What makes Regis particularly inspiring is his practical holiness. His faith was not theoretical; it was active, gritty, and deeply rooted in the needs of the people around him. He confessed for hours, catechized with clarity, and offered spiritual and physical shelter to the abandoned. He died of exhaustion at just 43, having poured himself out completely for Christ.
For Catholic professionals, Saint John Francis Regis is a vivid reminder that our work is a mission field. Whether you work in healthcare, education, design, engineering, or law, you are called to bring mercy into motion—through integrity, compassion, and a readiness to serve even when it’s inconvenient or unrewarded.
He challenges us to look beyond our spreadsheets and strategies to the people we are called to uplift. Let his example encourage you to lead with both truth and tenderness, and to see every task as an opportunity to build the Kingdom, one act of love at a time