Photo: Mass before the Relics of St John Vianney

This photo took my breath away. It’s picture of a Holy Mass celebrated before the incorruptible relics of Saint John Marie Vianney (the famous “Curé d’Ars”), patron of Catholic priests.

Saint John Vianney offered himself as priest for the salvation of souls. He spent at least 11 or 12 hours a day in the confessional during winter, and up to 16 to 18 in the summer. By 1855, the number of pilgrims seeking him had reached twenty thousand a year. The also popularized devotion to Saint Philomena (click her for a great intro sermon on St Philomena) who was his special patroness. He died a holy death at the age of 73 in the year 1859.

Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests.

Saint John Marie Vianney

(1786 – 1859)