> Eldest son of a shoemaker, John was born at Diest, Brabant. He early wanted to be a priest, and when thirteen became a servant in the household of one of the Cathedral canons at Malines, John Froymont. In 1615, he entered the newly founded Jesuit College at Malines, and the following year became a Jesuit novice. He was sent to Rome in 1618 to continue his studies, and was known for his diligence and piety, impressing all with his holiness and stress on perfection in little things. He died there on August 13. Many miracles were attributed to him after his death, and he was canonized in 1888. He is the patron of altar boys. Continue reading: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=454 > *[Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/) needs your help. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations from people like you. Please, consider [making a donation.](https://ycvf.org/products/donate%20Online%20Ads%20Humbly_primary) Just $5.00, the price of a cup of coffee, can help ensure Catholic Online School continues to thrive.* > *[Catholic Online](https://www.catholic.org/) (a 501(c)(3) corporation) is a Project of [Your Catholic Voice Foundation](https://ycvf.org/), a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.*