Pray for Priests, Past, Present, and Future
The Knights of Columbus is steadfast in support of vocations, inspired by its founder, Blessed Father Michael McGivney. The patron saint of parish priests is St. John Vianney, also known as “The Curé d’Ars.” This legendary priest of a small town in France attracted thousands for Mass. Travelers would wait hours for the sacrament of confession with him. His priestly devotion inspires priests and seminarians because of the physical and other hardships he endured in his ministry. His feast day is a good time to pray for the priests who have said Mass for us, administered the sacraments to us, encouraged us and offered solace in troubling times throughout our lives and those of our families. Modern communications makes it easier than ever to tell those priests who helped us that we pray for them and that we have gratitude for their vocations.
Remember also to pray for priests who might be troubled or facing personal challenges, and those whose assignments may put them in physical danger. Media often portray priests in negative circumstances, rarely showing the simple good works of priests offered without fanfare every day, or the heroic work of missionaries in distant lands. We need our priests to pray for us, and priests need us to pray for them. Wish all of our priests, past and present, a Happy St. John Vianney Day on August 4.
There is a statue of St. John Vianney in our Church near the right rear entrance.
The date of observance has changed over the years. In the 1970s, it was returned to August 4, the date of his death. It has been also observed on August 9 (1950s) and August 8 (1960s).
