Saint John Vianney
Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, known as John Vianney in English, was born in France in 1786 and was baptized the same day. John was raised in a Catholic home and the family often helped the poor. At 13-years-old, John made his first communion and prepared for his confirmation in secrecy. In 1802, the Catholic Church was reestablished in France and religious freedom and peace spread throughout the country. After being drafted into the army, he deserted and then returned home and entered the seminary in 1813.
In 1818, as pastor of Ars, John worked 16 to 18 hours a day working in the confessional, administering the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation.
John died at Ars in 1859 and was canonized in 1925 and was made patron saint of parish priests. When he passed away, he left behind a legacy of faith and was viewed as the champion of the poor.
