The Roman Catholic Church observes Friday, Aug. 4, the Memorial of Saint John Vianney (Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney), the revered patron saint of priests and model of all parochial clergy.
Saint John Vianney (Catholic Culture)
Aug. 4 marks his 163rd death anniversary.
In the country, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over a fiesta mass at 12 noon at the St. John Vianney Church in Barangay Cembo, Makati City.
Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos will also celebrate a mass in his honor at the St. John Vianney Parish in Antipolo, Rizal at 9 a.m.
Novena masses were offered from July 26 to Aug. 3.
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.
The late Pope Benedict XVI declared St. John as the patron of all priests of the world.
#SAINT JOHN VIANNEY