By John Fencik, Director
Catholic Formation Services

On June 19, 2009 – the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the Cure of Ars – Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed the “Year of the Priest” – a year for the lay faithful to pray for priests – living and deceased, and for an increase of priestly vocations. The Cure is the universal patron saint of all priests, as declared by Pope Benedict XVI on June 19.

John Vianney was born May 8, 1786, to a farming family in Dardilly, France, on the eve of the French Revolution. During his childhood he would learn and celebrate his Catholic faith in secret, for the Revolution had all but destroyed the faith in a nation that once had a rich tradition of Catholicism.

He was 14 when Catholics could once more openly practice their faith. But without any formal education, achieving his goal of becoming a priest seemed just a dream. He finally began his studies at 19, but found himself well behind much younger students. His dream was further interrupted by forced enlistment into Napoleon’s army. Eventually, he returned to his studies. The Revolution and Napoleonic wars had decimated the number of priests and religious.

Although a very poor student, he was ordained on Aug. 13, 1815. People who knew him attested to his deep spiritual and moral life. Four years later he was sent to Ars in southeast France, a poor agricultural community and an even poorer spiritual community of under 250 people. His Bishop told him that he would find “little love of God in that parish.”

The Cure found that in Ars for almost 30 years the faith had become lax or non-existent. Ars was filled with apathy to and ignorance of the Catholic faith – an outgrowth of the Revolution, the Reign of Terror and the Napoleonic dictatorship. There were many good people, but without good spiritual leaders, there had been little chance of growth in their knowledge and spiritual lives. It was to this little village with the run-down Church that John Vianney came to minister.

Eight years later…Ars had been transformed into an enthusiastic parish community.

How did this happen? All signs point to the parish priest of Ars and his own prayerfulness, humility and commitment to the salvation of his soul and that of his parishioners. Deepening one’s relationship with Jesus is a life-long journey and so it was with the Cure. His own path to holiness had many trials and much suffering, but along the way he drew many, many souls back to Christ and the Church.

He realized from his first day in Ars that the work ahead was truly the work of Christ – not his own! He knew his limitations, but he also knew the grace and power of God! He made himself a conduit, a vessel for Jesus to use in touching people with love and compassion.

Pope Benedict in his Letter proclaiming this special year wrote that the Cure prayed: “Lord, grant me the conversion of my parish; I am willing to suffer whatever you wish, for my entire life.” The Church in France had become suspect to many people. To gain their confidence, John Vianney exemplified the words of John Paul II: “…the priest should mould his personality … that it becomes a bridge, not an obstacle, for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, n. 43). His “bridge” was being available to his people and always showing compassion and understanding.

Like the apostle Andrew, who heard Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” and then “stayed with him that day” (John 1.39), the Cure spent time with the Lord that he might truly become another Christ to his people! He was deeply committed to that relationship first – nourished by offering daily Mass, praying faithfully the Divine Office, going to confession and daily setting aside time for prayer. These things became the foundation of his “success” in his little parish.

During this year of grace, let us pray for Bishop Thomas, our priests, and our seminarians. May they continue to grow in the image of Christ, the eternal High Priest! May St. John Vianney be their example in their beautiful commitment to the Priesthood! May the manner of their lives draw those under their pastoral care into a deeper and more loving relationship with our Lord!

John Fencik may be reached at jfencik@diocesehelena.org.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 25, No. 7, July 17, 2009.