Nineteenth-century parish priest of Ars in France who drew countless people to God through confession and prayer. Patron of parish priests.
Life
John Mary Vianney was born in 1786 on a farm at Dardilly near Lyon, France. He learned the faith in secret during the Revolution and struggled badly with his studies, yet he was ordained in 1815.
In 1818 he became parish priest of the small village of Ars and transformed it through prayer, fasting and love for the poor. People came from all over France to confess to him, and he spent many hours a day in the confessional.
He died at Ars in 1859 and was canonized in 1925. In 2009 Benedict XVI proclaimed a Year for Priests and held him up as a model for all priests.
Spirituality
His spirituality is a shepherd’s love for his parish and deep trust in God’s mercy. He said, “The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.”
Reflection
Pray today for your parish priest and for all priests, and prepare for the sacrament of reconciliation you may have put off.