August 5, 2020 

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Over the past month that I have spent at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Fr. John has kindly provided me a lot of opportunities to learn about the life and rhythms of parish priesthood. Among them is taking a turn at writing messages to the parish community. Today, I would like to share my thoughts on this week’s celebration of the feast day of one of our most endearing saints. 

Yesterday, August 4, was the Feast of Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. Vianney, also known as the “Curé d'Ars,” (or the “parish priest of Ars”) was born on May 8, 1786, in Dardilly, France, and died on August 4, 1859 in Ars. His holy life exemplifies many virtues that can benefit the generations of parish priests that followed him.

One virtue was his perseverance. It is widely known that Vianney was of average intelligence. Having only a basic education, he struggled in areas like Latin, which was required for his studies to the priesthood. Although he faced many obstacles, Vianney knew that God was calling him to this particular vocation. Through Divine Providence and his perseverance, Vianney was ordained a priest in 1815.

Another virtue worth mentioning was his simplicity of life, particularly in his eating and sleeping habits. His diet consisted of eating boiled potatoes, and he could function on very little sleep. The sleep he did get would often be interrupted by the Enemy, who became angry over the souls that Vianney was helping to bring to conversion. 

Vianney was constantly practicing mercy. He spent as much as 16-18 hours in the confessional each day! People from all over would come to have their confession heard by him. He had an unwavering spirit of humility, gentleness, patience, and cheerfulness that characterized his priesthood, which serves as other virtues for diocesan priests to emulate today.

I am grateful to Saint John Vianney for the beautiful example he has left for us parish priests. His commitment to his vocation, to his parishioners, and to holiness is what I admire the most about him. Please continue to pray for Fr. John, Fr. William, me, and all parish priests that, by God’s grace, we can continue to serve you all with untiring zeal like Saint John Vianney. 

Saint John Vianney, pray for us!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Pat