Saint John Vianney!

When I got home from having Mass and visiting people in Washington, KS, a community under my care, I had a message on my phone wishing me a happy feast day. This is a day to celebrate all priests because of Saint John Vianney. Not to long ago, the Catholic Church observed the "Year for Priests." During that time our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI made the announcement that Saint John Vianney, the Cure of Ars, would be known as the patron saint for all the world's priests. A look at his life shows how important Saint John Vianney was and is. "After overcoming many difficulties, Saint John was ordained a priest and was entrusted with the care of the parish in Ars, France. He cared for his parish in a marvelous way by his preaching, his mortification, prayer, and good works" (Magnificat, 63). Saint John Vianney is known for spending many hours in the confessional and guiding those who came to him for healing, forgiveness, and counsel. Saint John Vianney is a tremendous example for all priests and so as we celebrate our feast day let us ask Saint John to intercede for us. May his prayers guide us to be happy, healthy, and holy priests. Saint John Vianney, pray for us!!!