Saint John Vianney – Curate of Ars

I was born in France in 1786. As a boy, I worked as a shepherd on my father’s farm. Although it was illegal to go to church because of the French Revolution, my family travelled every Sunday to worship and pray in secret. After the revolution, I chose the path toward priesthood. However, I was called to join the army. At the end of the war, I went to seminary to study for the priesthood but had great difficulty in my studies. Yet, I was ordained as a priest in 1815. I was sent to the small village of Ars, France, where I became known for my simple and holy life. People from all over France came to confess their sins. I built a school for orphan children to teach them about faith. I also adorned the church beautifully. I served in the parish of Ars for 41 years, until my death in 1859.