The Roman Catholic Church commemorates Wednesday, August 4, the feast day of Saint John Vianney (Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney), the revered patron saint of priests and model of all parochial clergy.
August 4 marks his 162nd death anniversary.
At the St. John Vianney Church in Barangay Cembo, Makati City, a high mass will be held at 6 p.m. It will be aired online. Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula celebrated a mass in his honor at the church last Sunday, August 1.
Popularly known as the Cure of Ars, St. John served as the parish priest of Ars, a remote village in France, where he converted many to the Catholic faith through his pastoral work, saintly life, ardent devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession. He heard confessions for at least 16 hours a day that helped enrich the spiritual life of the community after many years of religious ignorance.
According to accounts, pilgrims from distant places even traveled to Ars to listen to his sermons that every year, he was receiving more than 20,000 visitors.
Born on May 8, 1786 in Dardilly, France, St. John was ordained priest in 1815 and began his service as parish priest of Ars in 1818. He died on August 4, 1859 at the age of 73 and was canonized on May 31, 1925 by Pope Pius XI.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI declared St. John as the patron of all priests of the world.