His Word Today: Saint John Vianney

The incorrupt body of Saint John Mary Vianney
above the main altar in the Basilica at Ars, France

Good morning everyone,

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney, TOSF (Third Order Franciscan) who is known in English as Saint John Vianney.  He is also referred to as the Curé d'Ars (in reference to the parish in Eastern France where he served as pastor for most of his life).  Born on 8 May 1786 in the town of Dardilly (not far from Lyon), John was the fourth of six children born to Mathieu and Marie (Belize) Vianney who were devout Catholics and who often gave assistance to the poor.

By 1890, the anticlerical attitude which was part of the French Revolution (1789-1799) forced many loyal priests to hide from the regime in order to continue ministering to the faithful.  Despite the danger, the Vianney family often travelled to distant farms in order to attend Masses celebrated by priests on the run.  John realized that these priests were risking their lives every day and began to look on them as heroes.

Religious peace was reestablished in 1802 but it wasn't until John was 20 years old that his father allowed him to leave home in order to pursue an education (which included arithmetic, history, geography and Latin).  He struggled with the studies but persevered because of his ardent desire to be a priest.  In the end, despite having had his studies interrupted due to an army draft (which he managed to avoid), he continued formation and was ordained a priest on 12 August 1815.

In 1818, he was appointed as pastor of the little church in the town of Ars where he lived for the remainder of his life.  The aftermath of the French Revolution had resulted in religious ignorance and indifference among the people, so he had to work all the harder to instruct them and to show them by his own example the importance of a relationship with God, with Jesus, with Mary and with the Saints.

His reputation spread throughout France and beyond.  As early as 1827, people travelled extensively in order to consult with him.  By 1855, the number of pilgrims reached 20,000 per year, and he spent between 16-18 hours a day (in summer months) in the confessional.  In winter months, due to the cold, he reduced this length to 11 or 12 hours a day.

Saint John Vianney died on 4 August 1859 at the age of 73.  There were 300 priests and more than 6,000 people present at his funeral.  On 3 October 1874, Pope Pius IX proclaimed him Venerable and began his cause for Canonization.  On 8 January 1905, Pope Pius X declared him Blessed and proposed him as a model for all parish priests.  In 1925, it was Pope Pius XI who canonized him and who - in 1929 - made him patron saint of parish priests.

Let us ask him to pray for our priests, that the Lord will inspire them to be fervent servants and that He will continue to prepare the hearts of many young men to hear his call ... come, follow me (cf Mt 4:19).

Have a great day.