Feast of St. Jean Marie Vianney

The incorruptible body of St. John Vianney, Ars France

St. John Vianney and St. Philomena

The little town of Ars, France, has become famous through the holy life and labors of Saint John Vianney, its beloved Cure'. And he, perhaps more than any other single individual, has brought to the world's attention the power of his own favorite among the saints - Saint Philomena. He was wont to call upon her for every kind of favor, and made her, so to speak, his "miracle-proxy". He used to take refuge under Saint Philomena's cloak, "and throw the blame on her", as someone has said for the extraordinary miracles he himself worked. Saint Philomena solved his financial worries; she converted sinners; she healed malignant diseases; she worked numberless prodigies in answer to his simple prayers. Many are recorded in the biography of the saint, but the unrecorded ones alone would fill a volume. It is said that the Cure' did everything for her and Saint Philomena did everything for him.

A person once approached the Cure' and said: "Is it true, Monsieur le Cure', that Saint Philomena obeys you?" To which the holy priest replied, "And why not, since every day God Himself obeys me at the altar?" A perfect understanding existed between the Cure' and his dear little saint, so that he constantly felt the closeness of her presence. He addressed her by the most familiar and tender names, and spared no efforts to induce others to invoke her intercession in their needs of body and soul. Often he would say in his soft penetrating voice which drew all hearts to him: "My children, Saint Philomena has great power with God, and she has, moreover, a kind heart; let us pray to her with confidence. Her virginity and generosity in embracing her heroic martyrdom have rendered her so agreeable to God that He will never refuse her anything that she asks for us." It is said that the Cure' did everything for her and Saint Philomena did everything for him.

(The image above is from a postcard I collected during my visit to the little town of Ars on my way to Paris for WYD 1997).

Prayer to St. Jean Marie Vianney

Holy Curé of Ars, your whole life was a single-minded offering of yourself to God for the service of men. Through your intercession, may the Holy Spirit lead us now to respond without faltering in our daily lives to the call which you have given to each one of us.

• You were steadfast in adoring Christ in the tabernacle. Teach us to draw close, in faith and reverence, to the Eucharist, to relish the silent presence of God in the Blessed Sacrament.

• You were the friend of sinners, to whom you said : "Your sins are as a grain of sand by comparison with the huge mountain of God's mercy." Free us from the bonds of fear which sometimes keep us far from God's forgiveness ; increase in us repentance for our sins. Give us a true understanding of the way the Father looks upon us, waiting tirelessly waiting for the return of the prodigal son.

• You were the sustainer of the poors : "My secret is quite simple : to part with everything and keep nothing." Teach us to give up our comfort so that we can share with those in need ; free us from attachment to money and to all deceptive riches.

• You were a loving son of the Virgin Mary, "your most long-standing affection." Teach us to turn to her with the trust and simplicity of a child.

• You have become an outstanding model for the parish priests of the whole world. May your pastoral charity lead those who care for souls to aspire to closeness with them all, whomever they may be. Give pastors a love for the Church, apostolic zeal, and steadfastness in trial.

• Awaken in the hearts of young people an awareness of the splendours of the priestly ministry and the joy of responding to the call of the Good Shepherd.

Holy Curé of Ars, intercede for us with God. Through you, humble and faithful pastor, tireless in the service of God and man, may we be granted what we ask.
Amen. (by Father Guy Bagnard, bishop of Belley-Ars)

(Source: Sanctuary of St. John Vianney)