Saint John Vianney

This past June, the Church concluded the observance of the "Year for Priests." It was a wonderful time to focus on the priesthood and to thank God for the gift of priests who are called to lead His people. The observance also acknowledged the
150th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Vianney, commonly known as the Cure of Ars. At the outset of the "Year for Priests," our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI declared that Saint John Vianney would be the patron saint for all the worlds priests. What a beautiful honor and a great example for us, especially as priests to call upon his intercession. As one author put it, "Saint John Mary Vianney exemplifies the holy simplicity of those who are not learned in the sense the world honors learning but who are immensely learned in the ways of God. Theirs is the true childlikeness which dares to praise God by their lives as well as by their words" (Magnificat, 60-61). We can learn a lot from this holy man who had a great skill in helping penitents who came to him. On a side note, the Supreme Convention for the Knights of Columbus is going on at this time in Washington, D.C. In his address, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said that, "everyday should be a year for priests." Our bishops and priests need the prayers and support of God's people. We are living in challenging times and we all need to pray and work together, clergy and laity. Let us pray that Saint John Vianney will intercede for us so that we can continue to build up the Kingdom of God in our midst. Blessings to you!!!