St. John Vianney, T.O.S.F. (1786-1859)
Feast Day - August 4th
John grew up amid the Terror of the French Revolution, so first learned and practiced the faith in secret. His lack of academic foundation made priestly studies quite difficult, but when examiners dismissed his from formation his tutor won "the most unlearned but the most devout seminarian in Lyons" admittance to priestly ordination. Academic failure belied moral knowledge, and John quickly became a popular confessor; by the end of four decades as pastor in Ars he spent 12-16 hours per day hearing confessions. He undertook harsh penance for the conversion of his parishioners, and this combined with personal visitation and vigorous preaching worked to great effect. But the swarm of pilgrims to his confessional, while attracted by his evident sanctity, was also drawn by reports of the demonic attacks he suffered, and his ability to read souls, prophesy, and work miracles (especially to keep his charities funded and fed). Despite such marvels, the pastor's holiness was perhaps most apparent in the simple advice given to penitents, such as "Love the good God very much." Patron of Parish Priests, Confessors
DonorThe Priests of the Diocese of Raleigh In honor of |
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