St. John Marie Vianney, Patron of Priests

What is the mission of a priest? Obviously, the priest is alter Christus, another Christ. In this sense he represents Christ and acts in the person of Christ especially in celebrating the sacraments.

In St. John Marie Vianney, priests must find inspiration, particularly in drawing people closer to Christ. The life of priests, whether Diocesan or religious, like that of St. John Marie Vianney, should serve like a magnet for people to come closer to Christ by frequenting the sacraments, especially that of reconciliation. By making themselves available for spiritual healing by hearing confessions, priests mirror the true mission of Christ, the priest. The more priests inspire people to admit their sins and become humble by going to confessions, the more priests radiate their call to holiness.

Let us pray for all priests today that they may be renewed always in their zeal for making themselves available for the people to encounter God’s mercy. St. John Marie Vianney, pray for us and protect all priests!