January 1
Valentin Paquay (1828–1905)
Franciscan priest
Roman Martyrology
In the city of Hasselt, near Maastricht in Belgium, Blessed Valentin Paquay, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who was distinguished by the admirable example of his Christian charity in preaching, in the ministry of reconciliation and in fostering devotion to the Rosary, and who attained great holiness through his spirit of humility.
Practical advice
Make a sincere examination of conscience today and peacefully correct one concrete fault, without excuses or discouragement.
Biography
He was born at Tongeren in Belgium and was named Louis. After primary school, he entered the college of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine at Tongeren to continue his literary studies. In 1845 he was admitted to the minor seminary at Sint-Truiden for courses in rhetoric and philosophy. After his father’s premature death in 1847, and with his mother’s consent, he entered the Franciscan Order at Tielt in 1849.
In 1850 he made religious profession and changed his name to Valentin. He immediately went to Rekem to study theology, completing his studies at the convent of Sint-Truiden. He was ordained a priest at Liège in 1854 and assigned to Hasselt, where he remained for the rest of his life, serving among other offices as vicar and guardian. In 1890 and 1899 he was elected provincial definitor.
He was tireless in his apostolate. He preached almost continuously and, because of his simple and persuasive words, was especially esteemed among ordinary people and religious organizations. He continually exercised the sacrament of reconciliation, emulating the Curé of Ars. He possessed the gift of insight into souls. He cultivated a profound devotion to the Eucharist and through his apostolate defended frequent Communion. He was also greatly devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Mary. Despite his illness, he wished to celebrate with great joy the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. He died at Hasselt with a reputation for holiness. Saint John Paul II beatified him on 9 November 2003.