Saint John Vianney 24" - 2148

Saint John Vianney was a member of the Third Order, and it is a disitinct honour for the Third Order of St Francis that he was one of its members. His talents were very meager, and he did not start education until 20 years of age - despite this, his diligence and piety helped him overcome all obstacles and he was ordained a priest in 1815. He was sent by his bishop as a curate to Ars, a little village in Lyon. His parish was in a very pitiable condition, with those who attended neglecting the service, and instead taking part in a dance that took place there practically every Sunday. Throughout the entire day, he would kneel before the Blessed Sacrament and pray for his erring sheep. This was soon noticed, and those who witnessed his great devotion while celebrating Holy Mas were left with a deep impression upon them, and his mild word soon won for him all hearts. The saint conducted the divine services with all possible solemnity, which proved an attraction for the people. The good saint spent from 16 to 18 hours a day in the confessional, conducting a catechetical instruction in the church each day and leading the rosary every evening. Along with these exertions, he also practiced rigorous mortification, fasted almost constantly and slept on a board. Saint John Vianney died at the age of 74 and when his body was exhumed in 1859 due to the impending beatification, was found to be incorrupt. His heart was later removed and placed in a reliquary, kept in a building known as the Shrine of the Cure's Heart.

Feast day: 8th August