Cure d' Ars

Today we commemorate the feast of St. Jean Marie Vianney, the Cure d' Ars. The Pope inaugurated the Year of the Priest on June 19th by presiding at Vespers in St. Peter's Basilica, where the relics of the 'Cure d' Ars' were brought for the occasion by Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars, France. With the announcement the Pope has declared St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his death. In his comments the Holy Father emphasized the constant struggle for moral perfection that dwells “in every truly priestly heart.” St. Jean Vianney was a model of a priestly heart. He had many obstacles to overcome not only in becoming a priest but in his duties as a priest. He was entrusted with a parish in the town of Ars, in the Diocese of Belley. He cared for his parish in a remarkable way, by his gift of preaching, his personal mortification, prayer and good works. He was skilled in the confessional box and would hear confessions for hours on end, for many came for his counsel. Pope Benedict in his letter proclaiming the Year of the Priest, says "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”, the saintly Curé of Ars would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect, first of all, with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself. I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life. How can I not pay tribute to their apostolic labours, their tireless and hidden service, their universal charity? And how can I not praise the courageous fidelity of so many priests who, even amid difficulties and incomprehension, remain faithful to their vocation as “friends of Christ”, whom he has called by name, chosen and sent? On this day please pray for all priests. We are truly blessed in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, with a Good Shepherd in Bishop Muench and many good and wonderful priests. The US Catholic Bishops Conference has given us this prayer:

Dear Lord,

We pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5).

May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May your priests be holy,filled with the fire of your love seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls.

Amen