John Baptist Reus was born to John and Ana Margarida Reus on 10 July 1868 in Pottenstein, Bavaria, the eighth child of 11 children. His parents, gave him excellent religious education. After completing a year of required military service, he resigned his commission 1890 and entered the Seminary of Bamberg, with an eye to eventually joining the Jesuits. He was ordained priest in 1893 entered the Order shortly thereafter.[1]
His autobiography and diary, written in obedience to superiors, record mystical graces, and visions.[1] He preferred to celebrate Mass in a private chapel because of his many ecstasies during Mass. Only after fifty years as a member of the priesthood did he agree to celebrate Mass in a public chapel, because the religious community asked him to. He died in São Leopoldo, Brazil.
He wrote many books about theology and the natural sciences in many languages: in Portuguese, Spanish, German, Italian and English. His Diário Espiritual (spiritual diary) and Autobiografia (autobiography) reveal his unique mystical state of being. His "Liturgy Course" was a classical text-book used by priests for the purpose of learning the liturgy.
Reus is considered a saint by many Catholics of the region.
