St. John Vianney

August 4, is a special day in the life of Mother Church, for we remember and honor St. John Vianney.  John Vianney was born in 1786 in France.  John Marie Vianney and his family lived and witnessed the aftermath of the French Revolution.  The French Revolution was a tumultuous time for the people of France.  The nation was in debt as a result of engaging in wars.  The country was also influenced by the America's achievement of independence in 1776, most especially with the idea of the equality of all peoples.  There was much struggle among the class of people, the Monarch, the Nobility, the Church, and the commoners.  The country was also influenced by modern philosophers such as Rene Descartes, John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and others, in a period called the Age of Enlightenment. This period opened for the people a new way of thinking, and ushered in a society that is based on science and reason, rather than on authority, faith and dogma.  It was during this period that we could say there was much persecution of the Church in France, because there was a need for change.  As the people of France wanted to shed themselves from the distinction of classes, the faithful were also affected by it.  Church was something frowned upon, and people couldn't practice their faith openly as before.  John Vianney's home became a place of refuge for priests, sisters, and religious.  It was not at a church, but in his home that John Vianney received his first holy communion.

John Vianney was the son of a shepherd. At the age of 20, he began studying for the priesthood, and after a short stay in the army, he returned to study at Lyons seminary. After his seminary training, if it were not for another Priest who vouched for him, John Vianney would not have made it.  John Vianney was not a good student because of his struggle with Latin.  He had to have much tutoring. But he could understand and explain the mysteries of faith in a different and deeper way than was taught.  He was able to explain the mysteries in his own way, inspired by the Holy Spirit. His goodness and piety led to his ordination in 1815. After his ordination, we was only able to celebrate Mass and hear confessions.

Three years after ordination, John Vianney was assigned to be the parish priest in Ars, France, a small village. One of the stories of inspiration about St. John Vianney is that when he was sent to Ars, a small remote town in France.  Along the way, he didn't know the location. (At that time, he didn't have Apple or Google Maps).  He asked a shepherd boy for directions. He said to the young boy: “Show me the way to Ars, and I will show you the way to heaven.”  That became his vision and goal as he embraced the life of a Pastor, to show people how to get to heaven.  

He became the Cure of Ars, the word Cure' or Curate means is a french word, meaning parish priest. He did show the people of Ars, and many, the way to heaven.  Through his powerful preaching, through his reverence at the Holy Mass, and spending countless of hours in the Confessional.  Many people came to him for confessions.

It is believed that John Vianney was able to read souls. One time, a visitor came to confession to him and said to him: “Father Vianney, I traveled a long way to go to confession to you. I heard that you are a good confessor and have helped million of souls. You had better give me some good advice and counsel and make this worth my time.  But John Vianney humbly replied: “Sir, I think you may be wasting your time.”  With that response, the person was able to see the priest's humility, and he was able to make a good and humble confession. Another soul was saved that day.

John Vianney spent his life preaching, hearing confessions, and living his life constantly in pursuit of the heart of Jesus. He often visited his parishioners, especially the sick and the poor. He fasted and prayed and spent many sleepless nights for the intentions of his people.  He often spent up to 16 hours a day in the confessional, reminding people of sins they had forgotten or did not want to confess.  His reputation spread and crowds of people came to him from all over the world for spiritual advice and to go to confessions.  It was told that he multiplied loaves of bread for his orphanage, La Providence.  He was known for bringing thousands back to the Catholic Church.  Refusing all offers of promotions and honors, John remained at Ars his entire life.  His work of charity and love and conversion were known throughout the world. He died in 1859.

His feast day is August 4.

His name John means God is Gracious, a gift from God.

He is the patron of Saint of priests and confessors.

Please respond: Pray for us.

St. John Vianney...