(1811-1860)
John Neumann was born in Prachatice in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) on March 28, 1811. He studied theology in the seminary of Budweis.
In his desire to lead souls to Christ, he decided to leave his homeland to dedicate himself as a missionary to the European immigrants in America, who were deprived of spiritual support.
Neumann was ordained a priest by the bishop of New York in June 1836. His first efforts were exercised in the pastoral care of people in the vast area around Niagara Falls.
At a certain point, Neumann realized he wanted to be a part of a community that corresponded more to his missionary vocation. In January 1842, he entered the Redemptorists. As a tireless missionary, Neumann busied himself with the German immigrants, first in Baltimore, then in Pittsburgh.
Having filled the role of vice-provincial superior of the Redemptorists from 1846-49, he became the parish priest of St. Alphonsus Church in Baltimore. In 1852, at the age of 41, he was named bishop of Philadelphia.
Neumann had a strong effect on the religious life of the United States by founding Catholic schools and promoting devotion to the Eucharist. He founded a new religious institute — the Third Order of St. Francis of Glen Riddle. The School Sisters of Notre Dame likewise regard Neumann as their secondary founder, their “Father in America.” In just seven years, he built 89 churches, as well as several hospitals and orphanages. As a bishop, Neumann was untiring in visiting his vast diocese.
On Jan. 5, 1860, at the age of 48, he died of a heart attack on a Philadelphia street. Neumann was beatified during the Second Vatican Council on Oct. 13, 1963, and was canonized on June 19, 1977. In the homily at Neumann’s canonization, Pope Paul VI summarized the activity of the new saint: “He was close to the sick, he loved to be with the poor, he was a friend of sinners, and now he is the glory of all emigrants.”
St. John Neumann is invoked as a patron of sick children and of immigrants.
Adapted by A. J. Valentini from: About St. John Neumann | The National Shrine of St. John Neumann. (n.d.). The National Shrine of St. John Neuman. Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://stjohnneumann.org/our-st-john-neumann/about-st-john-neumann/