St. John Vianney
Feast day: Aug. 4
Born in France, the son of a farmer, John began studying for the priesthood at age 20. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the army to fight in the Napoleonic Wars. Deserting, he returned home and went to Lyons seminary. Despite difficulties with his studies, he was eventually ordained and in 1818, he became the curé, as pastor of Ars. John spent many hours a day administering the Sacrament of Penance to the thousands who flocked to Ars. He helped to found La Providence, a home for orphaned children. John was canonized in 1925. He is patron of parish priests.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God,
who made the Priest Saint John Vianney
wonderful in his pastoral zeal,
grant, we pray,
that through his intercession and example
we may in charity win brothers and sisters for Christ
and attain with them eternal glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
