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Berchmans was born in Diest, the eldest son of a family with five children. His father Jan Berchmans practiced the craft of leather worker, shoemaker and cobbler. His mother was Elisabeth 'Liesken' van den Hove, a daughter of Adriaan van den Hove, a high-ranking city official. Jan stayed in Diest until he was twelve. Until he was nine, this was in the rented house De Gulden Maene, the family home, in the former Beverstraat (now Sint-Jan Berchmansstraat). He learned Latin at school and from Norbertijn Pieter van Emmerick, pastor of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, where Jan Berchmans was an altar boy. When he was nine, Berchmans moved in with Van Emmerick at the rectory, where he received shelter and education in exchange for small jobs. Berchmans had already expressed his wish to become a priest and from the age of eleven he walked around in priestly clothes and with a tonsure. He proved himself to be a brilliant student.
Mechelen
From 1614 the family had financial difficulties. With financial support from two aunts-beguines and after mediation by the Archbishop of Mechelen. Berchman became a maid in Mechelen to Canon Jan Froymont, where he also attended the seminary. In 1615 Berchmans continued his studies at the college in the city, which had just been founded by the Jesuits. It was therefore obvious to continue his aspired priestly career within the Jesuit order. This was against the will of his father and of the diocese. He joined on September 24, 1616. After taking his first vows on September 25, 1618, he went to Antwerp to study philosophy.
Rome
He was then sent to Rome for further studies in philosophy. In the meantime, both his parents had already passed away. He undertook the ten-week hike with his friend and fellow brother Bartel Penneman. They reached Rome on December 31, 1619. Penneman died shortly after arriving from exhaustion. In Rome Berchmans stayed in the room of his example, Aloysius Gonzaga. He was noted for his great devotion to Mary and his brilliant mind. That is why he was allowed to hold the solemn final dispute upon graduation. He died in the Roman College of the Jesuits after a short illness from pneumonia and dysentery, barely 22 years old. His last words were "Jesus, Mary".
Height 140 Cm Width 48 Cm Depth 40 Cm
In Very Good Used Condition
Please take a good look at the photos for the condition, photos are the best description to show the condition of the statue
Better than words
Will be sold as seen in the photo'
Due to the size and vulnerability, the statue can be picked up from the buyer in Ronse Belgium 67163687
