Saint John Vianney was born on May 8, 1786, and he died on August 4, 1859. Saint John Vinney was a French Catholic priest who is referred to as the parish priest of Ars. He is known for his pastoral work in his parish in Ars, France and his homilies. His work resulted in the radical spiritual transformation in Ars, France. Catholics note Vinney’s saintly life, mortification, persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession, and ardent devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is the patron saint of parish priests. He was canonized in 1925, and his feast day is August 4. Do you think your pastor prays to him?
Saint John Vianney Biography
Saint John Vianney was born on May 8, 1786, near Lyon, and was baptized the same day. He was the fourth of six children in a devoutly catholic family. The Vianneys helped the poor. His early life corresponded to the terror phase of the French Revolution. The phase persecuted Catholic priests. The Catholic Church was re-established in France in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, resulting in religious peace throughout the country, culminating in a Concordat.
By this time, Saint John Vianney was concerned about his future vocation and longed for an education. Vianney’s studies were interrupted in 1809, when he was drafted into Napoleon’s armies. He would have been exempt, as an ecclesiastical student, but Napoleon had withdrawn the exemption in certain dioceses, because of his need for soldiers in his fight against Spain.
Saint John Vianney became ill and was hospitalized. Illness at an early age is common there among saints. After he recovered, he deserted from the army and hid at a farm in haystacks. In March 1810, an amnesty was granted for all deserters from the French Army. Saint John Vianney went to a seminary and was ordained on August 12, 1815.
In 1818, Saint John Vianney was appointed the parish priest in Ars, France. There were 230 inhabitants in Ars. As parish priest, Saint John Vianney realized that the Revolution’s aftermath had resulted in religious ignorance and indifference, due to the devastation wrought on the Catholic Church in France.
Vianney came to be known internationally, and people from distant places began travelling to consult him as early as 1827. On August 4, 1859, Vianney died. He was 73. Three hundred priests and more than 6,000 people attended his funeral. Before he was entombed, Vianney’s body was fitted with a wax mask. On October 3, 1874, Pope Pius IX proclaimed him “venerable.” On January 8, 1905, Pope Pius X declared him Blessed and proposed him as a model to the parochial clergy. In 1925, John Mary Vianney was canonized by Pope Pius XI, who in 1929 made him the patron saint of parish priests.
Conclusion
Saint John Vianney lived a workman-like life. He was a parish priest par excellence. It is not surprising that he became the patron Saint of parish priests. He was not too smart; in the autumn of 1813, he was sent to the major seminary at Lyons. Considered too slow, he was returned to Balley. So he bounced between two seminaries. Nevertheless, he worked hard. His efforts show everyone what happens when one works hard.
