St John Eudes, whose Feast is today, was a 17th-century French Saint known for promoting devotion to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts.
From Aleteia
By Philip Kosloski
The holy 17th-century priest had one final request before he died, summarizing the goal of his entire life.
St. John Eudes was a holy 17th-century priest who is best known for the work he did to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
While on his deathbed, he dictated one final request, which was translated into English and published in a 20th-century biography, Their Hearts Be Praised. This final wish is a perfect summary of his life and the ultimate goal he constantly strove to attain.
Final wish
Let me die with these divine words in my heart and on my lips, "Jesus, Mary" and let me pronounce them in union with all the love which ever has been is now and ever shall be in all hearts which love Jesus and Mary.
Let me die in the love, through the love, and for the love of my Jesus, and let my last breath be an act of purest love, through which I may offer and sacrifice myself of my own accord to my God, in union with that same love with which my Redeemer offered and immolated Himself on the Cross to His Father for love of me.
In conclusion, with all my heart do I give my soul. O Mother of love. in union with the same love by which my Savior gave thee His at the moment of His Incarnation. Do thou preserve it as something which is wholly thine; receive it into thy most sacred hands when it leaves my body; harbor it in thy maternal Heart; present and give it to thy beloved Son, that He may place it in the ranks of those who will love and bless Him for all eternity, with thee and with all the angels and saints in that blessed eternity.
His final wish summarizes a life lived fully united to Jesus' Sacred Heart and Mary's Immaculate Heart. St. John Eudes spent his whole priestly ministry not only spreading devotion to the "Two Hearts," but also through his own love and devotion. He truly practiced what he preached.
The example of St. John Eudes should be an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that when we lie on our deathbed, we should raise our hearts to God and aim to leave this world with the words, "Jesus, Mary," on our lips.
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