St. Charles Houben

Saint Charles of Mount Argus (of St. Andrew) (John Houben) was born at Munstergeleen (The Netherlands) on 11th December 1821.

He entered the Passionist Novitiate at Ere, Tournai (Belgium) in 1845.

He made his religious profession on 10th December 1846 and was ordained to the priesthood on 21 December 1850.

He was appointed to the Passionists’ new English foundation in 1852, shortly after the death of Passionist Blessed Dominic Barberi.

Following the example of Blessed Dominic, an apostle of Ecumenism, Charles worked hard for the good of souls and the unity of the Church, first in England and later in Ireland, where he died with a great reputation for holiness on 5 January 1893.

A man of great prayer, in the style of Saint Paul of the Cross and the first Passionists, he was noted more for his apostolate of blessing and hearing confessions than for his preaching.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 16 October 1988 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on 3 June 2007.

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Prayer


 

O God, Saint Charles of Mt. Argus gave himself wholly to the service of others and brought healing to those who were wounded by sin and suffering. Grant that, following his example, we too may spend our lives helping and caring for our brothers and sisters. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.