Patron of Priests Sunday

The first Sunday of August is dedicated as St. John Baptiste Marie Vianney Sunday. Known as the “Cure de Ars”, St. John Vianney is the patron of priests both diocesan and religious. We might wonder why.

He showed unequalled dedication in his journey to the priesthood. He was able to surpass the meager formal schooling that made him inadequate for seminary studies. He created a transformative impact to people who flocked to him for confessions and spiritual advice.

He taught: “If we really understood the priest on earth, we would die: not of fear, but of love. If we had faith, we would see God hidden in the priest like a light behind glass, like wine mixed with water. Without the priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail.”

Let us offer our prayers for all priests today: “Through the intercession of Your beloved priest, Saint John Vianney, we beg You to call to the sacramental priesthood generous men who will desire nothing more than to serve You in imitation of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, our High Priest.”

A blessed St. John Vianney Sunday to all our priests!