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Saint John Vianney
House of Discernment
Basics | Discernment Process | Schedule | Application | Our Patron
Who is Saint John Vianney?
John Vianney (1786-1859) is the patron saint of parish priests. He was ordained because of his goodness, despite the fact that he had great difficulties with his studies. He spent most of his life serving the community of Ars, France, spending upwards of 18 hours a day hearing the confessions of thousands who flocked to Ars. He was canonized in 1925.
A Priest: The Words of Saint John Vianney
"This Sacrament raises man up to God. If we had not the Sacrament of Orders, we should not have our Lord. Who placed Him there, in that tabernacle? It was the priest. Who was it that received your soul, on its entrance into life? The priest. Who nourishes it, to give it strength to make its pilgrimage? The priest. Who will prepare it to appear before God, by washing that soul, for the last time, in the blood of Jesus Christ? The priest -- always the priest. The priest will not understand the greatness of his office till he is in heaven. If he understood it on earth, he would die, not of fear, but of love. What joy did the Apostles feel after the resurrection of our Lord, at seeing the Master whom they had loved so much! The priest must feel the same joy, at seeing our Lord whom he holds in his hands. The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. What is a priest? A man who holds the place of God; a man who is invested with all the powers of God. "Go," said our Lord to the priest: "As My Father sent Me, I send you. All power has been given Me in Heaven and on earth. Go then, teach all nations."
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for us!
