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Feast Day: January 1
Birth: May 13, 1766
Death: January 1, 1
Blessed Jeanbaptiste Lego, also known as Jean-Baptiste Lego, was born on May 13, 1766, in La Flèche, Sarthe, France. He was the brother of Blessed René Lego. Jean-Baptiste Lego dedicated his life to the service of God and the Catholic Church.
Known for his deep devotion and strong faith, Jean-Baptiste Lego pursued his vocation and became a priest in the Diocese of Angers, France. While serving as a priest, he ministered to the spiritual needs of the faithful and spread the teachings of Christ.
During the turbulent times of the French Revolution, the Catholic Church faced severe persecution by the secular Revolutionary government. The clergy was required to swear an oath of loyalty to this government, which many faithful priests, including Jean-Baptiste Lego, vehemently refused. They saw it as a betrayal of their allegiance to God and his Church.
Blessed Jean-Baptiste Lego was among those priests who, driven by their unwavering faith, stood firm and refused to take the oath imposed on the clergy. As a result, he became a target of the Revolutionary authorities and faced persecution for his refusal.
On January 1, 1794, at Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France, Blessed Jean-Baptiste Lego was beheaded for his unwavering commitment to his faith. His martyrdom made him one of the Martyrs of Anjou, as recognized in the Church's liturgical calendar on January 2.
It wasn't until June 9, 1983, when Pope John Paul II declared Jean-Baptiste Lego's martyrdom, recognizing his sacrifice and dedication to his faith. On February 19, 1984, Pope John Paul II beatified him during a ceremony held in Rome, Italy. This beatification elevated him to the status of "Blessed," acknowledging his exemplary virtue and sanctity.
The life and martyrdom of Blessed Jean-Baptiste Lego stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith and his refusal to compromise his loyalty to God and the Catholic Church, even in the face of persecution. His example inspires believers to remain steadfast in their convictions and strive for holiness amidst challenging circumstances.