St. John Vianney in the Year of the Priest
Aug 4th, 2009 by Dan
Last year on his feast I posted this reflection on my visit to Ars and the continuing blessings of the life of St. John Vianney.
A couple new comments have popped up in the last few weeks. Then after our daily Mass at the parish today a young professor from the University of Dayton stopped by the sacristy to talk about his recent visit to Ars. As I mentioned to him today, you don’t go to Ars unless you want to go to Ars… and St. John Vianney is today undoubtedly moving hearts and inspiring lives for the priesthood. I know that was the case with my visit.
For the very, very lucky souls who can attend, the Congregation for the Clergy is hosting an “International Priests’ Retreat” in Ars next month. For the rest of us… this YouTube video (simply of a pilgrim’s photos) gives some glimpse of the town today.
YouTube video: Pilgrimage to Ars
During today’s Mass, I was struck by the fact that Ars is truly a simple place. It could be Kettering, Ohio. I could be Coldwater. It could be anywhere.
The deep love of Christ, the selflessness, simplicity, humility, and charity that characterize St. John Vianney and make him the model for all priests are universals.
We need to follow that model. And we need more men willing to step up and live the life to which Christ is calling them.
We definetly need to follow the example of this great Saint! Especially when it comes to offering the Traditional Latin Mass and hearing confessions. We need more traditional vocations enough with nervous disorder!