Saint John Vianney

St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars

Feastday: August 4

St. John Vianney, Priest (Patron of priests and Universally known as the "Cure of Ars)," St. John Mary Vianney was ordained a priest in 1815. Three years later he was made parish priest of Ars, a remote French hamlet, where his reputation as a confessor and director of souls made him known throughout the Christian world. His life was one of extreme mortification.

Accustomed to the most severe austerities, beleaguered by swarms of penitents, and besieged by the devil, this great mystic manifested a imperturbable patience. He was a wonderworker loved by the crowds, but he retained a childlike simplicity, and he remains to this day the living image of the priest after the heart of Christ.

This extraordinarily holy saint was gifted with the charism of reading souls, and it was not unusual for him to spend 13-16 hours each day in the confessional. It is reported that he gave so much of himself serving the Lord that he only slept 2 hours a night. Many cures were attributed to his intercession, and he was frequently attacked by the devil. In one such attack, it was revealed to him that if there were three men as holy as he on Earth, Satan's kingdom would be broken.

His life was filled with works of charity and love. It is recorded that even the staunchest of sinners were converted at his mere word. He died August 4, 1859, and was canonized May 31, 1925.

St. John Vianney is the patron saint of priests and it is wonderful to be able to ask for his powerful intercession. Please consider adding a special priest to your intentions for the below novena.

Novena to St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars (July 27 – August 4)

Saint John Marie Baptist Vianney you were born of a deeply religious mother; from her you received the Holy Faith; you learned to love God and to pray. At a young age, you were seen kneeling in the front of the statue of Mary. Your soul was supernaturally carried towards the things on High. Despite the high cost, you answered your vocation!