Today is one of my favorite saint’s day…

Today is one of my favorite saint’s day … St. John Vianney… I had no idea who St. John Vianney (SJV) was when I entered the seminary back in 1990, but boy did I find out fast!

SJV was a 19th century priest from the village of Ars in France. He was known as the Cure Ars. He was a very holy and spiritual man and it is told that he used to hear confessions for 12-15 hours a day. He was so gifted in understanding and guiding the penitents that people used to come from all over to celebrate the sacrament with him.

Why was he part of the seminary experiecne so early on in my formation and many other prospective priests? Because he was a struggling student in the seminary and he almost was not ordained to the priesthood because of it.

When a seminarian is struggling with academics and the work load in the seminary and wondering if they are actually cut out for the ministry, good ole’ Saint John Mary Vianney is often mentioned and the student is reminded that he is not studying to be a seminarian but a holy priest of God. That is a calling from God and the seminary is the means to ordination not the ends. So work hard, do the best you can and make sure that the spiritual part of formation receives the necessary attention because ultimately that is where the true service to the Lord is nurtured.

So, thank you St. John Vianney and Happy Feast Day!