St. John Vianney
“True happiness consists in serving God in the way he wants to be served.”
Quick Facts
Born:
May 8th, 1786
Died:
August 4th, 1859
Feast Day:
August 4th
Country:
France
Patron:
Parish Priests
“True happiness consists in serving God in the way he wants to be served.”
In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury discusses the life and legacy of Saint John Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars, who was notably proclaimed the patron saint of all priests worldwide by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 during the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This declaration was part of marking the Year of the Priest and coincided with the 150th anniversary of Saint John Vianney’s death.
Tom recounts the early life of Saint John Vianney, born in 1786 near Lyon, France. He highlights Vianney’s inherent affinity for prayer and religious life from a young age despite the tumultuous times of the French Revolution, which suppressed religious expression. Vianney faced many challenges on his path to priesthood, including struggles with academic studies, particularly Latin, and initial resistance from his father and church authorities.
Once ordained, Vianney was appointed the parish priest of Ars, a village with minimal religious fervor and prevalent vices. His profound impact transformed the community, shifting the focus from vice to virtue, emphasizing the importance of family, prayer, and piety. Saint John Vianney became known for his deep devotion, particularly in confession, where he spent 13 to 17 hours daily, guiding thousands from across the world.
Tom also shares miracles and moral transformations attributed to Vianney, marking his profound spiritual influence which extended beyond Ars and contributed to his canonization by Pope Benedict XV. The episode underlines Vianney’s commitment to pastoral care and his lasting legacy as a model for priests everywhere, celebrating his divine dedication as an exemplar of faith in action.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Year of the Priest – Tom discusses the announcement by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 declaring a Year of the Priest, featuring Saint John Vianney as the patron saint of all priests worldwide. [00:00:00]
Chapter 2: Childhood and Devotion – The early life of John Vianney, highlighting his marked inclination towards prayer and religious devotion from a young age. [00:01:09]
Chapter 3: Turbulent Times and First Sacraments – Examining the challenges posed by the French Revolution and the secretive practices of the church, alongside John Vianney’s first confession and communion. [00:03:17]
Chapter 4: The Journey to Priesthood Begins – John Vianney struggles to begin his clerical education amid financial and educational challenges, receiving key support from Father Bally. [00:04:54]
Chapter 5: Persistent Struggles with Learning – A detailed account of Vianney’s difficulties with Latin and near-giving-up moments, and his pilgrimage seeking divine help for his priestly studies. [00:06:28]
Chapter 6: The Path Clears for Ordination – Vianney overcomes his academic hurdles, finally entering the seminary and focusing on his spiritual development. [00:07:34]
Chapter 7: Challenges and Triumphs of Early Priesthood – Details on the hesitant approval for Vianney to hear confessions and his initial steps as a priest in Ars, striving to restore faith in the community. [00:09:04]
Chapter 8: Transforming Ars – Saint John Vianney’s profound impact on Ars, addressing moral degradation and enhancing communal faith and family unity. [00:10:55]
Chapter 9: The Power of Faith and Sacrifice – An account of Vianney’s deep dedication to prayer, fasting, and personal sacrifice in his quest to convert his parishioners. [00:14:37]
Chapter 10: The Universal Influence of a Humble Parish Priest – How Father Vianney’s reputation spread worldwide, leading hundreds of thousands to journey to Ars for confession and transformation. [00:18:12]
Chapter 11: Miracles and Legacies – A look at the supernatural events associated with Saint John Vianney and the lasting impact of his pastoral work and teachings. [00:20:16]
Chapter 12: The Saint’s Passing and Canonization – Reflecting on the end of Vianney’s earthly ministry, his death, massive funeral, and subsequent canonization. [00:27:24]
Saint John Vianney, also known as the Cure of Ars, was born in 1786 in France. He grew up in a farm, but his strong desire to become a priest led him to overcome many obstacles, including his lack of education. John Vianney was eventually ordained as a priest and was appointed as the parish priest of Ars. He dedicated himself to the spiritual well-being of his parishioners and was known for his preaching, hearing confessions for hours each day, and his austere lifestyle. His holiness and deep commitment to God inspired numerous people to convert and seek a closer relationship with God. Saint John Vianney is considered a model of priestly virtue and is celebrated for his simple, yet profound, spirituality. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1925.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
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