Saint of the Month - August, 2011: Saint John-Marie Vianney

St. John-Marie Vianney

Patron of Parish Priests - Feast: August 4th

Born in 1786 to poor farmers in Dardilly, France, John was a pious child who shared his faith with other children by teaching them traditional prayers and basic catechism.  In his youth he made up his mind to become a priest and barely succeeded because of his poor learning skills and his inability to grasp Latin… but by the grace of God he was ordained a priest in 1815, and added the name "Marie" to his own in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary to whom he gave credit for his ordination.

"Through prayer we receive a

foretaste of Heaven and something

of paradise comes down upon us.

Prayer never leaves us without

sweetness."

- St. John-Marie

When Fr. John-Marie was first assigned to the obscure little town of Ars, Mass attendance was very poor and the parishioners were indifferent to the practice of the Faith, which prompted the new priest to take to the streets to ‘fish’ for souls.  He started home visits, especially to the sick and to the poor in the community, and also resorted to performing voluntary penances and sacrifices to draw down God’s blessings.  He fasted strictly and deprived himself of sleep by praying late into the evening... and the priest's extraordinary dedication moved Jesus's heart.  Fr. John-Marie's diligent prayer and good works started to bear fruit, as people began attending his masses in droves to hear his down-to-earth, inspiring sermons; to be encouraged by his wisdom and gentle kindness.

"A priest goes to Heaven or a priest goes to

Hell... with a thousand people behind!"

- St. John-Marie

Furthermore, God augmented Fr. John-Marie’s ministry by granting him the ability to "read hearts" and to work miracles.  Parishioners reported their priest would often tactfully remind them about specific, hidden sins when they neglected or forgot to confess them… or sometimes told them of future or distant events that always proved true.  His prayers also obtained remarkable favors from Heaven for those who asked for his help, and although he was undoubtedly a holy man, he attributed any graces received to the intercession of St. Philomena, to whom he was intensely devoted.

"It is always springtime in the

heart that loves God."

- St. John-Marie

As news of the priest's mystical gifts spread beyond Ars he became a much sought-after confessor.  Daily, a long line formed in the streets for at least a couple of blocks leading up to the church, and the poor priest was in the confessional anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day(!) depending on the season of the year.

"Almighty God sends no trial

without consolation."

- St. John-Marie

The devil, infuriated by Fr. John-Marie’s work, often paid him visits at night during which he would keep the exhausted man awake by making noises in his bedroom, moving things around (e.g. shaking his bed), or by physically assaulting him.  The demonic attacks were especially vicious on the eve of a great sinner’s arrival to Ars, but despite his grueling schedule and his encounters with hellish forces, the priest maintained a supernatural calm.  God sustained him and his ministry lasted for almost 40 years through which many, many souls were brought back to a life of grace.

The main altar of the Basilica of Ars with

the shrine-tomb of St. John-Marie Vianney

 and a closer view of his incorrupt body.

 

The Cure’ (parish priest) of Ars died on August 4th, 1859, deeply mourned by all of France.  He was worn and thin at the moment of his death but almost immediately assumed a look of majestic beauty and peace after his body was exposed for the funeral.  St. John-Marie Vianney was Beatified in 1896 and Canonized in 1905 - not surprisingly, he is the designated patron of all parish priests.  The body of the Saint was discovered incorrupt after his burial and can be viewed above the main altar of the basilica dedicated to his honor in Ars.

St. John-Marie Vianney,

pray for us!