April 15: Blessed Cesar de Bus

Today, April 15, we celebrate the feast of Blessed Cesar de Bus (1544-1607), priest, teacher, and founder of two religious congregations: the Secular Priests of the Christian Doctrine and the Daughters of the Christian Doctrine.


Cesar was born at Cavaillon, France, and little is known about his early life, with the exception that he lived both piously and virtuously. At eighteen years old, he joined the French army, and took part in the king’s war against the Huguenots. Having successfully survived the war, he left the army and spent his days in pursuit of the arts, writing poetry and painting. He soon missed the call and order of military life, however, and endeavored to join a naval fleet which was enacting a siege. However, he was deemed to ill to participate, and instead traveled to Paris.

In Paris, Cesar turned briefly from his pious and virtuous ways, living a life driven by pleasure and worldly ambition. For three years, he indulged his sinful desires until the death of his brother, a canon of Salon. Upon his brother’s death, Cesar managed to obtain his vacated position, which initially he desired only out of worldly ambition. However, once obtaining it, the spirit of the Lord moved within him, and he returned to his studies, resumed his pious lifestyle, and was soon ordained to the priesthood at the age of 38.

Upon ordination, Cesar immediately distinguished himself by his works of charity, serving all in need. He further demonstrated great effectiveness and zeal in preaching and catechizing. He focused primarily on those who would receive the Word of God from no one else—those living in horrible conditions, living out of city in the countryside, and those marginalized by society. He further focused on catechesis of the family, instructing the parents alongside the children, something which had previously not been done. He was so successful that he attracted many followers, and decided to institute a congregation of priests who would be dedicated solely to the preaching of Christian Doctrine. Not long thereafter, the "Prêtres séculiers de la doctrine chrétienne" (Secular Priests of the Christian Doctrine), or "Doctrinaires", was founded. Located in Avignon, the congregation was approved by Pope Clement VIII. A few years later, Cesar founded a companion congregation, the Daughters of the Christian Doctrine.

Blessed Cesar wrote five volumes on the Catechism, portions of which continue in use today. His Instructions for the Family on the Four Parts of the Roman Catechism, was published 60 years after his death.

From the beatification homily of Blessed Cesar de Bus, delivered by Pope Paul VI in 1975:

“The work of Cesar de Bus continues to generate, after three centuries, our admiration. Here's someone who got it right. He recognized the needs of his time, and respond with equal generosity and efficiency. Attracted by his vision and influence, other enthusiastic men were gradually gathered around him, learning how to approach the catechism and taking a lead from him. Quickly they formed a religious family who, despite the vicissitudes of history, still flourishes today in various countries. Now located in Cavaillon, France, the Fathers of Christian Doctrine know this day our special concern for them, our esteem, and they receive our wishes and encouragement! We are pleased to honor them now in the person of their founder.

And we wish the pastors and those responsible for catechetical use, who have followed Blessed Cesar’s example and writings, guiding their thinking and their work. Blessed Caesar de Bus, you who left us the admirable example of a life given to God, who burned with a desire to communicate God's life with your brothers, now intercedes for us with the Lord, for the same Fire consumes us and the same charity urges us. And you, dear brothers and sons, we entrust you to him and we bless you from my heart.”

The life of Blessed Cesar de Bus is one of initial indecision, aimless pursuit of worldly pleasure, and return to the grace of the Lord. Cesar’s life reminds us that we are all called at different times in our lives to serve—even if we feel unworthy or unable, the Lord sees within us the spark of faith and hope, and we are called to nurture that spark into a flame of Love. As we look toward Christ’s Easter triumph over death, we turn inside ourselves, finding our own call to serve others in love.

Year 2: Day 105 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Lives of love and service to one another.
Requested Intentions: Financial ability to send children to school (S); Safe return of a runaway (J); Healing of a family (J); Reconciliation of marriage (S); Healing of a daughter with congenital heart disease (F); Healing and an end to suffering (J); For the children (M); For a son fighting a rare immune system disease (R); Freedom from imprisonment (J); Employment and end to depression (H); Successful employment (A); Health for a soon to be delivered baby (T); Financial security (L); Healing of tooth pain (A); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Purification of the souls in Purgatory (A); Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).