About St. John Vianney
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.
Prayers & Devotions
Intercession of the Saints
