St. John Berchmans
St. John Berchmans is the Patron Saint of altar servers. He was born in 1599 and died in 1621. He was a devout Jesuit during his lifetime. He enrolled in the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin in 1615. When he wrote to his parents, John made them aware of his interest in joining the Society of Jesus. He was encouraged to join a Franciscan order.
In 1618, John made his first vows. Throughout his life, he was known for excelling in philosophy and having an affable personality with others. He aspired to serve as a chaplain for the army and to become martyred during war. He was canonized in 1888.
In 1866, he made an appearance to Mary Wilson. She had a poor health, but she experienced a vision of the saint and then experienced immediate healing. Saint John Berchmans is remembered for his dedication to education and improvement of the mind.
