Patron Saint of Priests

The road to priesthood for St. John Baptiste Marie Vianney was filled with trials. He failed many times in his subjects. He fell ill few days after being drafted to be among the soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte. But he believed in priests as heroes.

He was proclaimed Venerable by Pope Pius IX on October 3, 1874. He was declared Blessed by Pope Pius X on January 8, 1905 and was proposed as model for parochial clergy. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 31, 1925 and was made Patron of parish priests in 1929. He was known as “Cure de Ars” after converting people by spending hours in hearing confessions and giving counsels.

Let our prayer for priests today, Vianney Sunday, renew in priests, the promises they have made during their ordination. Let our involvement in the liturgical celebration conform their hearts into selfless and joyful duty of love for His people. Let our deepeneing of the Christian teaching challenge them to become true shepherds of souls who journey together with the flock entrusted to them.

St. John Marie Vianney, bless and protect our priests and accompany them on the road to holiness.