This beautiful “Act of Love (A Prayer to Love God)” by St. John Vianney is a powerful Catholic devotion for daily spiritual growth and divine intimacy. Attributed to the beloved Curé of Ars and patron saint of parish priests (1786–1859), this prayer reflects a life of extraordinary holiness and pastoral dedication. By entering into his profound love for Christ, you can experience the same radiant, intimate relationship with our Lord that fueled his miraculous 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.
“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.
