A listing of prayers and devotions to St. John Vianney for his powerful prayers and intercession. As Catholics, we believe in the intercession of the saints, who readily pray and assist us from Heaven.
“A Prayer To Love God” is a beautiful prayer of divine love that is attributed to St. John Vianney (1786-1859), the beloved Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests. Known for his extraordinary holiness, pastoral dedication, and profound love for God, St. John Vianney spent countless hours in prayer and developed an intimate relationship with our Lord that radiated through his ministry.
I love Thee, O my God. My only desire is to love Thee, until the last breath of my life.
I love Thee, O infinitely loveable God, and I prefer to die loving Thee, rather than to live for an instant without Thee.
I love Thee, O my God, and I desire only to go to Heaven, to have the happiness of loving Thee perfectly.
I love Thee, O my God, and my only fear is to go to Hell, because one will never have the sweet solace of loving Thee there.
O my God, if my tongue cannot say at all times that I love Thee, at least I want my heart to repeat it to Thee! as many times as I breathe.
Ah! Do me the grace to suffer while loving Thee, to love Thee while suffering, and, that when I die: I not only will love Thee, but experience it in my heart.
I beg Thee that: the closer I come to my final end, Thou wilt increase and perfect my love for Thee. Amen.
St. John Vianney, known as the Curé of Ars, became the universal patron saint of parish priests despite struggling academically in seminary and being considered one of the poorest students in his class. Born in 1786 during the French Revolution, when Catholic clergy were being persecuted, he faced numerous obstacles to his vocation, including difficulty learning Latin and failing multiple exams. Finally ordained in 1815, he was sent to the tiny village of Ars, considered a spiritual wasteland. Through his extraordinary dedication to prayer, severe penances, and marathon sessions in the confessional (often 16-18 hours daily), he transformed the town into a spiritual center that drew thousands of pilgrims from across Europe. He was known for his supernatural gifts, including the ability to read souls and prophesy, but was particularly famous for his wisdom in the confessional and his battles with the devil, who reportedly physically attacked him and set his bed on fire. Despite multiple attempts to leave Ars for a quieter life, he remained there for 41 years until his death in 1859. His simple yet profound preaching, particularly about the love of God and the importance of the sacraments, along with his example of pastoral dedication, led to his canonization in 1925 and his being held up as the model for parish priests worldwide.
St. John Vianney’s legacy challenges us all to deepen our faith, serve others tirelessly, and strive for sanctity in our daily lives. This humble parish priest touched countless lives and continues to inspire both clergy and laity today.
The Extraordinary Life of St. John Vianney: A Model of Priestly Devotion
Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, better known as St. John Vianney or the Curé d’Ars, stands as one of the most inspiring figures in Catholic history. His life story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and selfless devotion. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this parish priest who became a beacon of spirituality in 19th-century France.
Early Life and Struggles
Born in 1786 in Dardilly, France, Vianney’s early years were marked by the turmoil of the French Revolution. Despite the anti-clerical atmosphere, his family clung to their Catholic faith, practicing in secret. Young Vianney felt called to the priesthood, but his path was far from smooth. He struggled immensely with formal education, particularly Latin – a crucial subject for aspiring priests. These academic difficulties delayed his ordination and led many to question his suitability for the clergy.
The Transformation of Ars
In 1818, the newly ordained Fr. Vianney was assigned to the small village of Ars. With only 230 inhabitants, the village was known for its religious indifference. Undaunted, Vianney embarked on a mission to revitalize the faith of his flock. He visited every household, fasted, and prayed tirelessly for his parishioners. Gradually, his dedication bore fruit. Mass attendance increased, and religious practices were renewed. The transformation of Ars became a testament to Vianney’s pastoral zeal.
The Famed Confessor and Spiritual Director
As word of Vianney’s holiness spread, people from far and wide sought his counsel. By 1855, an estimated 20,000 pilgrims were visiting Ars annually. Vianney became renowned for his remarkable ability to read souls and offer wise spiritual direction. He would spend up to 18 hours a day in the confessional, often starting before dawn and continuing until late into the night.
A Life of Extreme Austerity
Vianney’s personal life was characterized by severe asceticism. He slept little, often just a few hours on a hard surface. His diet was sparse, frequently consisting of only boiled potatoes. He gave away most of his possessions and practiced harsh penances. Despite his grueling schedule, he spent long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Miracles and Supernatural Gifts
Throughout his life and after his death, numerous miracles were attributed to Vianney. These included physical healings, prophecies, and the multiplication of food for orphans. Perhaps most famously, he was said to possess the gift of reading souls, often knowing penitents’ sins before they confessed them.
Impact on the Church and Canonization
Vianney’s holy life and tireless pastoral work made him a model for priests worldwide. He was beatified in 1905 and canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. In 1929, he was declared the patron saint of parish priests, cementing his status as an exemplar of priestly virtue.
Teachings and Legacy
While Vianney wasn’t known for extensive writings, his catechetical instructions and sermons left a lasting impact. His teachings emphasized:
God’s boundless love
The importance of the sacraments, especially confession
Devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary
The value of prayer and sacrifice
The dignity of the priesthood
The gravity of sin and the beauty of repentance
A Timeless Example
St. John Vianney’s life demonstrates that academic brilliance isn’t a prerequisite for profound spiritual impact. Through unwavering dedication, deep faith, and sacrificial love for his flock, this humble parish priest touched countless lives and continues to inspire both clergy and laity today.
As we reflect on the extraordinary life of the Curé d’Ars, we’re reminded that holiness is achievable for everyone, regardless of background or abilities. St. John Vianney’s legacy challenges us all to deepen our faith, serve others tirelessly, and strive for sanctity in our daily lives.
This nine-day “Novena to St. John Vianney” honors St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, confessors, and priests in general. The novena focuses on different aspects of his virtuous life each day, including his deep faith, trust in God, love for others, hatred of sin, and purity. Each day includes a reflection, personal intentions, and traditional Catholic prayers, emphasizing St. John Vianney’s exemplary priesthood and seeking his aid in spiritual growth and overcoming life’s challenges.
Born in 1786 in France, St. John Vianney was known for his devotion to God and his parishioners, particularly through hearing confessions for long hours.
Novena: July 26 – August 3 (or anytime of the year) Feast Day: August 4
St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, you were born of a deeply religious mother; from her you received the Holy Faith. You learned to love God and to pray. At a young age, you were seen kneeling in the front of a statue of Mary.
Your soul was supernaturally carried toward the things on High. Despite the high cost, you answered your vocation.
Against many obstacles and contradictions, you had to fight and suffer to become the perfect priest, which you were; but your deep spirit of faith supported you in all these battles.
O Great Saint, you know the desire of my soul. I would like to serve God better. Obtain for me more courage and especially the depth of faith.
Many of my thoughts, words, and actions are useless for my sanctification and for my salvation, because this supernatural spirit does not stir up my life. Help me to be better in the future.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St, John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, what confidence the people had in your prayers! You could not leave your old rectory or your humble church without being surrounded by imploring souls, who appealed to you as they would have appealed to Jesus Himself during His earthly life.
Obtain for me a deep trust in His Providence. Give me courage and help me to always obey the Commandments of God.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St, John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, because of your love of God, you showed great charity towards your neighbor. You could not preach on the Love of God without burning tears of love. It seemed as though you could not talk about anything else or live for anything else. Thus, you sacrificed yourself to your neighbor by consoling, absolving and sanctifying them to the limits of your strength.
Your charity inspires me to greater love of God, a love which is shown more by acts then by words. Help me to love my neighbor generously, as Christ loves them.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, you were so adamant against sin, yet so sympathetic and so ready to welcome the sinner. I come to you today as if you were still alive, as if I were kneeling at your feet and you could hear me. Bend towards me, listen to the repentant confidence for the weaknesses and miserable deeds of mine.
Priest of the Lord, inexhaustible Confessor, obtain for me the horror of sin. Help me today to examine my conscience, and make the resolution to break bad habits and to avoid the dangerous occasions of sin.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
O Holy Priest of Ars, you knew how important was a good confession for the Christian life. It was to procure the happy fruits of millions of souls that you agreed to be in an uncomfortable confessional, which was like a prison, up to 15 to 16 hours on certain days.
I will try to develop the habit of frequent confession, to prepare properly each time, and to have always regret for my sins, so that the grace of final perseverance, and also the sanctification of my soul, will be assured. Ask this grace for me.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
O Holy Priest of Ars, whose only comfort in this world was the real presence of Jesus in the tabernacle. Was it not your great joy to distribute the Eucharist to the pilgrims who visited you? You refused Communion to the souls who refused to reform; but to souls of goodwill, you opened wide the doors of the Eucharistic Feast.
You, who each day at Holy Mass received Holy Communion with great love, give me some of your fervor. With freedom from mortal sin, obtain for me a sincere desire to profit from receiving Holy Communion.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
O Holy Priest of Ars, the infamous attacks of the devil which you had to suffer, and the trials which disheartened you by fatigue, would not make you give up the sublime task of converting souls. The devil came to you for many years to disturb your short rest; but you won because of mortification and prayers.
Powerful protector, you know the temptor’s desire to harm my baptized and believing soul. He would have me sin by rejecting the Holy Sacraments and the life of virtue. O good Saint of Ars, dispel from me the traces of the enemy.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
O Holy Priest of Ars, a witness of your life made this magnificent praise of you: ‘We would have taken him for an angel in a mortal body.”
You so edified others: the modesty and the exquisite purity radiated from your body. With such charm and with such enthusiasm you preached to others about these beautiful virtues, which you said resembled the perfume of a vineyard in bloom.
Please, I beg you to join your entreaties to those of Mary Immaculate and Saint Philomena, in order that I guard always, as God asks me, the purity of my heart. You, who have directed so many souls towards the heights of virtue, defend me in temptations, and obtain for me the strength to conquer them.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
O Holy Priest of Ars, during the time you were on earth, you used to repeat in your dejected hours, “one will rest in the other life.” It is done, you are in eternal peace and eternal happiness.
I desire to follow you one day. Until then, I hear you saying to me: “You should work and fight as long as you are in the world.”
Teach me then to work for the salvation of my soul, to spread the good news and good example, and to do good towards those around me, in order that I will receive the happiness of the Elect with you.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena, especially for …
(Mention your intentions now)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
O St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests, pray for us and for all priests!
