Blessed James DeKoven (1831-1879) is the patron of our organization. Fr.
DeKoven lived his life very much within the active branch of the Church both
as Warden of Racine College in Racine WI (now the DeKoven Center, a place of
spiritual refreshment and education), and in the larger Church by speaking
out for the expression of devotion to the Eucharist, especially upholding
the belief in the objective Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He is
commemorated in the Church Calendar of the Episcopal Church on March 22nd.
Fr. DeKoven paid a dear price for his beliefs and for being of voice of
reason in the Church of his day and came under intense criticism and
persecution. But he stayed firm, both in his convictions and in his love and
devotion to the Episcopal Church.
As one reads his sermons and journals, his interior solitude and "aloneness" becomes readily apparent. In spite of a busy active life, this holy man knew a measure of internal solitude and deep prayer that was the wellspring of his courage and determination. It is his spirit of fierce dedication to a life of vocation and devotion that one who lives under vows a Solitary of DeKoven chooses to emulate. Along with Fr. DeKoven, we too, believe we are called to a life of vocation and devotion, and that are directed and guided by God’s Providence and Love.
The following links will take you to more information and
writings by James DeKoven:
The Eucharistic Controversy by James DeKoven
Please visit the DeKoven Center, the Shrine of Blessed James DeKoven,