St. John Vianney was known as the Cure of Ars.
He was ordained a priest in 1815 and three years later he was made parish priest of Ars, in remote France, where his reputation as a confessor and director of souls made him known throughout the Christian world.
He was a great mystic and exemplified extreme patience, especially with his penitents. He heard confessions for sixteen hours each day. Even the hardest-hearted sinners were converted merely by a word.
He died August 4, 1859, and was canonized May 31, 1925. Today is his feast day.
He has become known as the living image of the priest after the heart of Christ. For this reason, he is consisdered the Patron Saint of Priests.
FAITH ACTION: Most parishes have confession available on Saturday afternoons. Is the Lord calling you, this day, to confess your sins? Kindly say a prayer for priests this day as well, that they may remain faithful to the Lord and to their vocation.