Posted by Word Alive by Fr Bel San Luis SVD
Memorial of Saint John Marie Vianney of Ars – August 4
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A late vocation and not intellectually gifted priest, Saint Jean Marie Vianney, is the beloved patron of all parish priests, both diocesan and religious. He was born in 1786 in France, and his feast is celebrated on August 4th. Despite facing difficulties in his studies, divine intervention was needed for him to be ordained as a priest.
It has been said that during the final oral exam required for ordination, he was third in line. The chances of him passing were slim because the guest professor was known to be strict and meticulous.
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When the first two examinees before John Vianney had their turn, they proved to be so good that the professor decided to forego the third (John), having gotten an idea of the candidates’ quality. That’s how John was spared!
When he finally got ordained, he was sent to a tiny, obscure, notorious village called Ars. It was an assignment his bishop thought was equivalent to his limited intelligence.
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What he lacked in brains, however, he made up for in diligence, dedication to pastoral work, and above all, holiness (being sinless). With much prayer, sacrifices, catechism classes, and endless hours spent in hearing confessions—he heard confessions for 16 hours daily!—the holy Curé d’Ars transformed a God-forsaken parish into a haven of holiness.
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The life and example of John Vianney serves as a powerful inspiration to all Christians, but especially to priests. The positive qualities of Jesus’ ministers can immensely influence people and bring them closer to God, as shown in the life of John Vianney.
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Priests are only human. Pride, ambition, greed, and sensuality can blind a priest or bishop, just as they can blind other men. However, spiritual leaders have the obligation, by virtue of their high calling, to constantly strive to overcome their human frailties.
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CHURCH SIGNS: “Running low on faith? Stop by the church for a refill.”
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“Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives.”
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Two hands holding stone tablets on which the 10 Commandments are inscribed and a headline that reads, -“For Fast Relief, Take Two Tablets.”
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