August 4th is the feast of St. John Vianney, (1786-1859) the patron of parish priests. Born in Lyon, France, he had to struggle to become a priest. Once ordained he was made pastor of a small parish in an out of the way place called Ars. “He cared for this parish in a marvelous way by his preaching , his mortification, prayer and good works,” his biography says. He was especially good in hearing confessions and soon people were coming from everywhere to Ars.
Good to pray for parish priests, struggling to minister in the church today as it goes through difficult times of change and questioning.We need more John Vianneys.
John Vianney knew the value of prayer. He wanted to become like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Colette who “used to see our Lord and talk to him as we talk to one another. How unlike them we are! How often we come to church and have no idea what to do and what to ask for. We know how to speak to another human being, but not to God. “
His simple sermons challenged and changed those who heard him.Hurray for simple sermons and priests who preach them.
| A Catechism on prayer, by St John Mary Vianney |
The noble task of man, to pray and to love
Consider, children, a Christian’s treasure is not on earth, it is in heaven. Well then, our thoughts should turn to where our treasure is.
Man has a noble task: that of prayer and love. To pray and to love, that is the happiness of man on earth.
Prayer is nothing else than union with God. When the heart is pure and united with God it is consoled and filled with sweetness; it is dazzled by a marvellous light. In this intimate union God and the soul are like two pieces of wax moulded into one; they cannot any more be separated. It is a very wonderful thing, this union of God with his insignificant creature, a happiness passing all understanding.
We had deserved to be left incapable of praying; but God in his goodness has permitted us to speak to him. Our prayer is an incense that is delightful to God.
My children, your hearts are small, but prayer enlarges them and renders them capable of loving God. Prayer is a foretaste of heaven, an overflowing of heaven. It never leaves us without sweetness; it is like honey, it descends into the soul and sweetens everything. In a prayer well made, troubles vanish like snow under the rays of the sun.
Prayer makes time seem to pass quickly, and so pleasantly that one fails to notice how long it is. When I was parish priest of Bresse, once almost all my colleagues were ill, and as I made long journeys I used to pray to God, and, I assure you, the time did not seem long to me. There are those who lose themselves in prayer, like a fish in water, because they are absorbed in God. There is no division in their hearts. How I love those noble souls! Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Colette saw our Lord and spoke to him as we speak to one another.
As for ourselves, how often do we come to church without thinking what we are going to do or for what we are going to ask. And yet, when we go to call upon someone, we have no difficulty in remembering why it was we came. Some appear as if they were about to say to God: ‘I am just going to say a couple of words, so I can get away quickly.’ I often think that when we come to adore our Lord we should get all we ask if we asked for it with a lively faith and a pure heart.
Like this:
Like Loading...
The Victor's Place 
Fr. Victor :Always treasure your words. Keep well. God Bless and regards to Mary. .
LikeLike
Cure of Ars was my home parish on Long Island! I heard the story of JohnVianney spending long hours before the Blessed Sacrament. When asked what are you doing? Praying? He said,I just look at Jesus and He looks back at me! Not sure if my version is accurate but seems to fit his personal?
LikeLike
Father Victor, As you have said before…..what we need are more priests like Father Flavian O’Donnell, CP and Father Francis Harrity. Please God. .
LikeLike
Bill, Have to see you soon, before summer’s end. Thanks for your comments.
FV
LikeLike
Mary,
You got the story right. That’s the way he prayed.
F
LikeLike
Frank,
Wonderful priests you recall. Please God send us more like them.
FV
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing. I, too, share some thoughts on this great saint! https://theaspiringcatholic.wordpress.com/2016/08/04/11368/
LikeLike
Dear Father Victor, we need more priests like you. With your social media Ministry, you help bring Jesus to those who may not find him otherwise. Especially the youngsters and hipsters! Personally speaking, your blog helped me come to know and develop a devotion to The Passion of Jesus Christ and accompanies me deeper into the Mysteries than I could by myself. Thank you! I pray for you everyday as I meditate on our Lord’s Passion.
LikeLike
Thanks, fdan.
LikeLike