St. John Neumann

A Bohemian missionary and bishop, John Neumann served immigrants, organized Catholic schools, and strengthened parish life in the rapidly growing United States.

The story

John Nepomucene Neumann was born on March 28, 1811, in Prachatitz, Bohemia, now Prachatice in the Czech Republic. He entered the seminary and studied theology, languages, and the natural sciences. His ordination was delayed because his home diocese had more priests than it then needed. Knowing that German speaking Catholics in the United States lacked clergy, John left Europe in 1836. Bishop John Dubois ordained him for the Diocese of New York on June 25 of that year.

Father Neumann was assigned to a vast rural mission in western New York. He traveled on foot or horseback among scattered settlements, celebrated Mass in homes and simple churches, taught children, and visited the sick. The exhausting isolation led him to seek the support of a religious community. He entered the Redemptorists in 1840 and professed vows in 1842. He served in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and other mission territories, preaching in several languages and eventually becoming a Redemptorist superior.

Pope Pius IX appointed Neumann the fourth bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. His diocese was expanding quickly as Catholic immigrants arrived from Europe. He organized a diocesan system of parish schools, encouraged religious communities to staff them, and helped increase both enrollment and the number of schools. He established parishes for different language groups, promoted the Forty Hours Eucharistic devotion, visited his diocese continually, and wrote catechisms suited to immigrant children. He also supported communities serving the poor, including the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Bishop Neumann lived simply and continued to carry a missionary's workload. On January 5, 1860, he collapsed and died on a Philadelphia street, apparently from a sudden stroke. He was only forty eight. His body was buried at St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia, where it remains a place of pilgrimage. Pope Paul VI beatified him in 1963 and canonized him on June 19, 1977. He was the first male citizen of the United States to be canonized. The Church in the United States observes his memorial on January 5.

What John teaches

St. John Neumann saw education, parish life, and care for immigrants as parts of one missionary calling. His example urges Catholics to welcome newcomers and pass on the faith patiently. The duty to educate children in faith belongs first to parents and is supported by the whole Christian community (CCC 2223 and 2226).

Patronage

Catholic education, immigrants, sick children, Philadelphia.

Prayer

God of mercy, you sent St. John Neumann to serve immigrants and teach the young. Through his intercession, give your Church holy missionaries, faithful teachers, and generous shepherds. Amen.