Biography
Born to the French nobility, Claude early felt a call to religious life. Educated at Jesuit college in Lyons, France. Priest. Taught humanities at Avignon, France. Continued his studies in Paris, France. Tutor. Preached against Jansenism, advocating dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Joined the Jesuits in 1659. Spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque. Chaplain to Mary Beatrice d'Este, the Duchess of York. He converted many Protestants through the example of his holy life. Due to rumours of "Popish plots" against the king and the re-establishment Catholicism, Claude was imprisoned, accused of being part of the Titus Oates Plot. It was only by the efforts of Louis XIV, who had recommended him for the assignment, that he was not martyred. Banished from England. His health had been ruined by his time in prison, and he returned to Paray to die. The day after his death, Saint Margaret received supernatural assurance that Claude needed no prayers, as he was in already heaven. He is considred a "dry" martyr, having suffered every abuse for the faith except death. Born: 2 February 1641 at Saint-Symphorien d'Ozon, Rhône, France Died: 15 February 1682 at Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France of hemoptysis (coughing up blood)