Saint Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney

Have you gone to confessions in this year of mercy? The feast of St. John Vianney on August 4 reminds us of the mercy of God.

Known as the “Cure d’ Ars”, meaning Parish Priest of Ars in France, St. Jean Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests. He was known for the radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings. People of different walks of life from many parts of the world came to him to avail of the sacrament of confession. He even missed meals in staying for long hours just to hear the sins of many and to lead them to conversion.

We know how loaded with pastoral work and responsibility our priests are today. Sometimes, hearing confessions for them just happens during Lent and Advent seasons. Some parishes do have regular weekly confessions. We thank our clergy for making themselves available for confessions even when we come to them in “ambush” after mass or anytime we see them.

If you feel like going to confession, do not hesitate to approach a priest. If he refuses to hear your confession due to his close schedule, ask for an appointment and learn to wait.

In this year of mercy, let us ask the intercession of St. Jean Vianney to lead us to the mercy of God.