John Baptiste Marie Vianney
Curé of Ars
Feast Day August 4
Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, a French parish Priest, born in 1786 and died on August 4, 1859. As a youth he and his family were forced to travel a great distance to attend Mass since its celebration was prohibited in France during that period in history.
As a newly ordained Priest Jean Vianney was sent to a small Church in the remote French hamlet of Ars. By his saintly example in lifestyle, his inspired preaching, and undiminished dedication to pastoral ministry, especially in the Sacrament of Penance, Jean Vianney brought souls to Christ and eventually the entire community was radically transformed. News of his ministry spread and people from around the world sought his counsel. As many as 20,000 pilgrims a year traveled to Ars, desiring to Confess to the Curé who spent long hours in the Confessional each day.
Jean Vianney was canonized in 1925. His incorrupt body lies in a glass casket above the main altar in the Basilica of Ars.