St. Vianney: The Inspiring Priest

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Saint John Marie Baptist Vianney, commonly known as the Curé d’Ars, was born May 8, 1786, and was raised in a small village known as Dardilly, France. John Vianney was the fourth son of six children of Matthew Vianney and Maria Beluse. Growing up during the era of the French Revolution was difficult; it was challenging to openly profess one’s faith because of the persecution of the Catholic Church. 

Persecution

During this dire time in history, priests endured the horrors of execution. To avoid this heinous punishment, priests would disguise themselves as peddlers and farmers. Since churches were closed down, priests were obliged to say Mass in secrecy, in places such as farmhouses. Vianney and his family had to walk approximately a mile at night to attend Mass. While his siblings complained about the great distance to the farmhouse they ventured to for the celebration of Mass, Vianney kept quiet, bearing his sufferings patiently. Vianney became so overwhelmed with emotion during the sacrifice of the Holy Mass that he was moved to tears. 

Vianney Was a Pious Child with a Beautiful Soul

Vianney proved to be a pious boy from a young age and was destined for the priesthood.  An incident occurred when John Vianney was four years old and his mother, Maria, though she had lost him.  (Vianney and his mother had a particularly close and special relationship.)  Maria frantically called and searched for him, assuming the worst, because she could not find him anywhere in their house. When Vianney finally heard his mother’s cries, he obediently responded.   Maria realized that his voice was projecting from outside, in their farmhouse.  To her astonishment, she found her little John kneeling in front of a small statue of Our Lady, deep in prayer.

His mother was keenly aware of the purity and the beauty of John’s soul; she kept him especially close to her heart.   When John Vianney and his siblings were still children, Maria remarked, “See, mon Jean if your brothers and sisters were to offend the good God, it would indeed cause me much pain, but I should be far sorrier were you to offend Him.”  Even with the other shepherd children John Vianney, at the age of seven, led a good example. He was always enthusiastic, leading the singing of psalms, reciting prayers, and preaching to the other children who were not always as devout or cooperative. With all sincerity, ending his lecture, John Vianney would conclude, “Well, children, be very good and love the good God very much.”  

Always Trust in Mary

After receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist at the age of thirteen, John Vianney’s father decided it was time for him to handle the heavy work on the farm. Working with his older brother Francis, John Vianney offered himself to the good God, for all his labor of haymaking, harvesting, gathering nuts and apples, etc. Unfortunately, when Vianney began his new set of tasks, he could not keep up with his older brother Francis and was completely exhausted at the end of a day’s work.  John Vianney placed his entire trust in the Blessed Virgin and his prayer was indeed answered. John Vianney exclaimed with glee, “Always trust the Blessed Virgin.”  

His Vocation

By the age of seventeen, John Vianney had grown in maturity and was very passionate about his vocation to win souls for the Lord.  When confronting his mother about his strong vocation for the priesthood, she was abundantly pleased with her son, embracing him while tears of joy streamed down her cheeks. However, his father’s mind was seemingly made up: Matthew Vianney needed his boy to help out on the farm because he was getting older and suffered from rheumatism. Additionally, Matthew had just paid the dowry of John’s sister Catherine and had recently bought John’s brother Francis out from the army. Not only was Matthew Vianney certain he could not give up his son because of all of the labor that he contributed, but he was a poor man.  Matthew did not see how he could afford John’s education for the priesthood. With his mother’s love and understanding of her son’s ardent vocation, she and John Vianney began to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in two years’ time, his father gave his consent.  

Humility

Although John Vianney was then quickly enrolled in Father Balley’s classes for his priestly vocation, he was indeed much older than the other boys and had difficulty with memorizing, especially when learning Latin. At one point, one of his classmates, Matthias Loras, (who was working as John’s tutor) became entirely frustrated with John Vianney’s confusion about the lesson. Acting upon his frustration, Matthias boxed John’s ears in front of the entire class. John Vianney, portraying the virtue of humility, got down on his knees and sincerely asked for Matthias’ forgiveness.  

The Draft

In 1809, though still a student, John Vianney was recruited in the draft. However, because he failed to join his detachment in Renaison, John was considered a deserter. Finding refuge in a small village known as Les Robins, John Vianney settled there for a couple of years. Although this village was obscured by the forest, the gendarmes still arrived to meticulously search for deserters.  John Vianney, who had only seconds to hide, dove into the hayloft, where he felt himself sweating and could hardly breathe. As the gendarmes entered the farmhouse they began to poke their swords about the haystack (one of the swords actually pricked John Vianney). He began to pray, promising the Lord he would never complain about anything again. To John Vianney’s relief, the gendarmes left, feeling like they fulfilled their duties.  John Vianney felt deep gratitude for the Lord and even in later years, he never once broke that promise. 

Ordained

After the many delays, trials, and suffering, John Vianney was ordained in 1815 and three years afterward was sent to the small, remote village known as Ars. Here many were victims of immoral behavior, sinful dances, packed taverns, blaspheming, and much ignorance. John Vianney endured severe penances and great fasting for the souls of Ars. Proclaiming wonderful sermons in the pulpit, with pastoral zeal, John Vianney would castigate these men and women for their vile behavior as well as exclaim the greatness and beauty of surrendering ourselves every day to the will of Our Father.  Truly only wanting the conversion of his parish, in the pulpit he would touch the weak spots of these men and women, speaking from the heart he would say,

From the first, it is clear that they (the sinners) nearly always perish miserably. Faith dies in their hearts, and their worldly substance decays so that they are doubly miserable.

Spiritual Trials

After being constantly tormented by the Devil, opening a free school for orphan girls called The Providence, utilizing his gift to read the souls of men, and spending hours in the confessional, (all while undergoing harsh penances) John Vianney commended his soul to the Lord on August 4, 1859.  Then in 1925, he was canonized by Pope Pius XI and was later recognized as the patron saint of parish priests by Saint Pope John Paul II.  John Vianney may have suffered much in the eyes of men, but in the eyes of God, he was His servant, retrieving souls for the Lord.  

Vianney is My Patron Saint

Reflecting back on my Confirmation several years ago, I truly felt inspired to choose Saint John Vianney as my patron saint because I honestly admire his Christ-like character, especially his embracing the virtue of piety and having childlike trust in the Lord.  I hope to imitate his virtues of humility, perseverance, and self-sacrifice. By possessing the virtue of humility, he was able to conquer pride, love Our Beloved Father first and foremost, and focus on his ardent devotion for the salvation of souls. With perseverance in prayer, especially to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he was able to be ordained a priest, despite his many trials and setbacks.  Also, with this perseverance, he was able to convert his parish which was immensely consumed in sin. Lastly, I sincerely wish to imitate his virtue of self-sacrifice, which he illustrated by completely offering the gift of himself, by selflessly serving his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I genuinely appreciate how he did not care so much for the severity of his suffering, his impoverished way of life, or his deficiency of bodily needs, but only desired to be a servant for all, a servant of God.   

I am very fond of Saint John Vianney’s remarkable life of prayer and service for others. Saint John Vianney is not only my patron saint but a spiritual ally and guide, assisting me in this spiritual battle between worldly temptations and following the will of the Lord.  By his intercession, I wholeheartedly pray to be an instrument of God’s love and a token of God’s grace.

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4 thoughts on “St. Vianney: The Inspiring Priest”

  1. Thank you, Diana, for the inspiring article on the Curé d’Ars! It was very enriching to read about this holy priest’s life. Particularly touching was learning of St. John Vianney’s early years as a pious young child and his special bond with his mother, Maria. St. Vianney’s traits of exhibiting Christ-like character, cultivating virtue, and having childlike trust in God are most admirable! It was interesting to learn how his relationship with, and confidence in, the Blessed Mother guided him in his spiritual pursuits. I very much enjoyed your inclusion of St. Vianney’s joyful exclamation of, “Always trust the Blessed Virgin.” It brings to mind another beautiful quote of Vianney’s regarding Our Lady, and his knowledge of her dedicated loving care for her children, “Only after the Last Judgment will Mary get any rest; from now until then, she is much too busy with her children.” Thank you for this excellent and enlightening article!

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  3. Mother Church gives us saints not only for our admiration but also for our imitation. As a Parish Priest myself, St. John Vianney has always been an inspiration. I consider my ministry as being nothing more or less than to serve God, to serve and pray for my people and to love them.

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