Saint John Leonardi

Reform the Church — Saint John Leonardi | Catholic Hymn “Reform the Church” is a devotional hymn celebrating Saint John Leonardi, an Italian priest, reformer, missionary and founder whose life was devoted to the renewal of the Catholic Church through prayer, education, priestly formation and evangelization. Born in 1541 in Diecimo, Tuscany, John Leonardi grew up in a modest but deeply Christian family. Before becoming a priest, he studied and worked in pharmacy, developing an interest in healing and care for others. But a deeper vocation was growing within him. John eventually answered God's call to the priesthood and was ordained in 1572. His preaching and pastoral ministry soon revealed his great concern for people who had become distant from the faith. He believed that genuine renewal of the Church had to begin with interior conversion. Christian formation, catechesis, prayer and the proper formation of priests were essential. In 1574, he founded a confraternity for young laypeople in Lucca, encouraging them to live a more authentic Christian life. In 1579, he founded the Congregation of the Clerics Regular of the Mother of God, dedicated to preaching, education, catechesis and the formation of priests. His vision was shaped by the challenges of the Catholic Church after the Reformation. He understood that the renewal of Christianity required well-formed clergy and well-instructed laity. His missionary vision extended beyond Italy. Together with Juan Bautista Vives, he contributed to the development of a seminary for foreign missions, helping prepare missionaries for evangelization in distant lands. His work belongs to the broader history that led to the establishment of the College of Propaganda Fide in Rome in 1627. John also had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, placing his congregation under her protection and entrusting his work to the Mother of God.