Catholic Spiritual Formation

Saint: St. John Vianney

St. John Vianney

Feast Day: August 4
 

 

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Click for a message from Saint John Vianney
During the early nineteenth century, French soldiers fought one long war. When Emperor Napoleon was eventually defeated, many French people felt that God had deserted them. So they had little interest in religion. Then along came someone who helped them turn back to God—John Vianney, the Curé d’Ars. (These French words mean “the priest of Ars.”)

John was born at Dardilly, France, in 1786. As a youth, he worked as a shepherd. Then as a soldier he fought in the Napoleonic wars. Finally, he studied for the priesthood. In the seminary, John had trouble learning Latin. But because of his goodness, the bishop finally ordained him in 1815.

Soon John became the parish priest at Ars. He spent as many as 16 hours a day hearing confessions there. People flocked to Ars to confess because John listened so well. He understood God’s mercy.

John showed this mercy to deserted children and orphans too. With the help of Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he opened a school and home for these children.

Many educated people made fun of John because learning was hard for him. But John knew how to share God’s love with others. Daily, he did this in the confessional. He did not know Latin. But he did know God. And through him, the people of France came to know God again too. When John Vianney died in 1856, at the age of 73, they also knew that the Curé d’Ars was a holy man.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 1, chapter 21
Grade 2, chapter 13
Grade 4, chapter 14

Connecting to Faith First®
Grade 2, chapter 13