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| Source: Wikipedia |
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. John Vianney who was designated the patron of all priests in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI. He was born in 1786 in a town near Lyons, France. When he grew older he helped his father raise sheep. When he turned eighteen he asked his father permission to pursue the priesthood. John Vianney was a pious young man who simply wanted to do God's will, but unfortunately, he was not very smart and struggled with his studies. He was in danger of being washing out of the seminary, but persevered in prayer, and with the help of a tutor, study. Eventually he passed the necessary classes and was ordained. He was assigned a parish in Ars whose members did not know, live or share their faith; they were a "stiff necked people." Eventually their hearts were softened by the witness of John's holy life and the parish flourished.
Supernatural Events
"[T]he centre of his entire life was the Eucharist, which he celebrated and adored with devotion and respect. Another fundamental characteristic of this extraordinary priestly figure was his diligent ministry of confession" (Pope Benedict XVI, 8/5/09). St. John Vianney was not simply great confessor for he heard confessions for upwards of sixteen hours a day. He was graced with the gift of reading the hearts, souls and minds of his parishioners. If someone made an incomplete confession, he would supernaturally know. Additionally, he was able to sustain long extreme fasts for the benefit of his flock. St. John Vianney was tormented by the devil who would physically assault the saint, even setting his bed on fire. The saint did not let satan deter his priestly vocation. Finally, after his death, St. John Vianney's body remains a symbol of his holiness for it has not decayed; he is one of the incorruptible saints.
Lessons to Learn
We learn from St. John Vianney that we can persevere in the knowledge that all things are possible through God.
Apostleship of Prayer - Video
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