Lessons Learned From a Parish Priest

Each one of the saints has the power to change our lives and influence us in incredible ways. I still remember the first time I learned about Saint John Vianney and how he came into my life and changed it in a marvelous way.

When I was a teenager, I was receiving a home-schooled education with Seton Home Study School. One of the books I had to write a book report on was about Saint John Vianney’s life. I remember reading about him for the first time and becoming so interested in everything he did and everything he was.

Saint John Vianney

One of the main qualities that struck me was his complete selflessness. He had such compassion for his parish that he did extreme penances, preached with his whole heart that was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and ended up converting his parish Ars which was immoral at the time. Through Saint John Vianney’s example and works he changed the hearts of his people for the better.

It is truly remarkable to think of how one person can do so much if they only surrender to the will of God. That is what I learned from Saint John Vianney. We have the power to share our gifts and talents from God with one another and by this, we live our best life.

Vianney’s Intercession

I remember one particular moment in my life where I really felt Saint John Vianney’s intercession. Back when I was homeschooled with Seton Home Study School there was a time when I was struggling with math. What I was trying to learn did not make any sense to me. I called upon Saint John Vianney’s intercession because I read about how he struggled in his studies. Even becoming a priest, he had trouble learning Latin. Not grasping a concept easily was something I could relate to. He completed his schooling however and what is amazing is that even though he struggled in his studies becoming a priest, in the end, he became the patron saint of parish priests. Only God can make a weakness of ours a great strength.

It was in this time of confusion and defeat, I asked for Saint John Vianney’s intercession that I learn the lessons, apply the knowledge to the world we live in, go further in my education, and grow into the individual God wants me to be. I prayed to him with my whole heart and the very next day I faced the problems in my textbook with new confidence. It was then and there I was able to understand the concepts in front of me and I thanked Saint John Vianney with a grateful heart.

In retrospect, a Saint John Vianney quote always comes to mind, “The saints did not all begin well, but they all ended well.”

I have been praying to Saint John Vianney ever since. I pray for his guidance. When the time came for my Confirmation, I decided to choose him as my confirmation saint because I really admire his character and I knew he had already been praying for me. I know he blesses me in the spiritual battle of good and evil that I may be equipped to fight for Jesus.

Praying As I Write

As a writer, I want souls to be inspired by my writing. I always pray to the Holy Spirit before I write my articles. My aim is to inspire readers to live the best life they can possibly live according to Jesus Christ. And, even if one person takes my writing to heart and motivates them to follow the will of God with new confidence, I feel like I have done God’s heavenly mission for me. It would be such a blessing and a grace from God. As Saint John Vianney’s sermons touched the heart of his parish, I hope my writing may uplift and encourage readers that they bear the cross they are given and follow Jesus always like it is stated in Sacred Scripture.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? (Matthew 16:24-26 ).

Saint John Vianney cared so much about bringing souls to heaven. That is why I love the prayer to Saint John Vianney on the back of my prayer card so much because it shows how much his heartbeat for them. The prayer is this.

Almighty and merciful God, thou didst make Saint John Vianney wonderful by his pastoral zeal and constant prayer and penance. Grant, we beseech Thee, that by his example and intercession we may be able to win the souls of our brethren for Christ, and together with them attain everlasting glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.