Saint of the Week

John Vianney, Priest

John Vianney was born in a village near Lyons, France shortly before the French Revolution. His parents, poor farmers, were devout Catholics and brought up their son to be the same. After serving his family as a young farm worker, John was eventually ordained and became a simple parish priest. He was known far and wide as a compassionate confessor and wonderful pastor.

John Vianney, who was known as the Curé d’Ars, died on August 4, 1859. Even on his deathbed, he called penitents to him to finish hearing their confessions. St. John Vianney was canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. He is the patron saint of parish priests.

John kept the vision of what he wanted firmly in his mind and prayed often that he would achieve his goal. After many disappointments, John experienced success. His formula was simple and one that is available to us today: dedicate yourself completely to your goal and try to minimize distractions.