Saint John Vianney
Priest, Memorial
Liturgical Cycle: A, B, C | Lectionary Cycle: I, II
Introduction
Here we have a priest, a humble countryman, with very limited abilities for book learning, yet a contemplative, open to the Spirit and things supernatural, a real man of God. He was made the parish priest in a God-forgotten little town, where he could do little wrong. And no wrong he did. After a few years, everyone knew where the little town of Ars was, and the learned and the great, as well as the poor and the little ones, came to seek his counsel, absolution and help. When his ordination was discussed, he said: “If Samson could defeat and kill a thousand Philistines with a donkeys’ jawbone, who knows what the Lord could do with a whole donkey like me?”
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
thank you for giving us
St. John Mary Vianney
as the patron saint of parish priests.
Give to all priests the zeal,
the wisdom and the compassionate heart
of this humble, self-forgetting man.
Let them be great in goodness
and give them open arms for sinners.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
First Reading
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. With the word you hear from my mouth, you will warn them in my name.
When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ if you do not warn the wicked man to give up his evil ways, and so live, he shall die for his sin, and I will hold you responsible for his death.
But if you have warned the wicked man, and he has not given up his wickedness and evil ways, he shall die for his sin, but you will save yourself.
When the righteous man turns from what is good to do evil, I shall put an obstacle in his path: he shall die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. His good deeds will not be remembered, and I shall hold you responsible for his death.
But when you have warned the righteous man to keep him from sinning, and he has not sinned, he will live for sure, for he was warned; and you will save your life.”
Responsorial Psalm
R. (Mark 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Praise the Lord, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples!
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
For steadfast is his kindness toward us,
and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor
and to proclaim liberty to captives.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Narrative Summary of Jesus’ Activity
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and announcing the good news of the kingdom; he also healed every sickness and disease.
Jesus’ Compassion
When he saw the crowds, he was filled with compassion, for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples:
“The harvest is abundant, but the workers are only a few.
Ask the master of the harvest to send workers to gather his harvest.”
The Twelve
Jesus called his Twelve disciples to him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.
Prayers of the Faithful
Celebrant:
Inspired by Saint John Mary Vianney’s love for God, devotion to prayer, and faithful service to the Church, let us bring our needs before our heavenly Father.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
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For the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and deacons, that they may serve God’s people with holiness, humility, and pastoral charity. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For all parish priests, especially those experiencing loneliness, exhaustion, or discouragement, that Christ may renew their strength and joy. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that many young people may respond generously to God’s call. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For government and community leaders, that they may promote justice, peace, and respect for the dignity of every person. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For those burdened by sin, guilt, or spiritual dryness, that they may experience God’s mercy through repentance and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For the poor, the sick, the lonely, and all who suffer, that they may receive comfort, healing, and loving support from the Christian community. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For our parish community, that, following Saint John Mary Vianney’s example, we may grow in love for the Eucharist, prayer, and service to others. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For the faithful departed, especially deceased priests and pastors, that they may be welcomed into the joy of eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord.
Celebrant:
Merciful Father, you made Saint John Mary Vianney an outstanding pastor devoted to the salvation of souls. Hear the prayers we offer and help us to follow his example of faith and charity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
*Prayer over the Gifts
Tender and compassionate God,
your give us Jesus’ food and drink
to sustain us on the road of life.
See how many people today
are needy and rudderless.
Give them shepherds to guide them in life
and to nourish them with your living word
and with the food of everlasting life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
*Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
your son Jesus still goes around today
to our cities and towns far and near.
Let his word be to all of us
Good News of liberation
from the diseases of our hearts and bodies
and make us pass on this message
to the people around us,
at least by the way we live it.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
REFLECTIONS
St. John Mary Vianney: A Shepherd After the Heart of Christ
The life of St. John Mary Vianney, the Curé of Ars, reminds us that the true greatness of a priest is not measured by eloquence, influence or success, but by holiness. Though he struggled academically and considered himself intellectually limited, he allowed God to transform his weakness into a channel of extraordinary grace. Through countless hours spent in the confessional, tireless prayer, simple preaching, and deep love for the Eucharist, he became a living witness to the mercy of Christ.
Pope Francis frequently presented St. John Mary Vianney as a model of pastoral charity. In his Letter for the 160th anniversary of the saint's death, he wrote that priests can learn from the Curé of Ars "the courage to put their trust in the Lord" and to place themselves entirely at the service of God's people. Pope Francis also reminded the Church that "the joy of the priest is born of love," a love rooted in Christ and expressed through compassionate closeness to those entrusted to his care. ("The courage to put their trust in the Lord." Source: Pope Francis, Letter to Priests on the 160th Anniversary of the Death of the Curé of Ars (St. John Vianney), 4 August 2019. Official Vatican text:
Letter to Priests (4 August 2019)
Pope Leo XIV likewise presents St. John Mary Vianney as an enduring model of pastoral ministry rooted in charity rather than authority. In his homily at the Mass inaugurating his Petrine Ministry, he reminded the Church that "the ministry of Peter is distinguished precisely by this self-sacrificing love," adding that "it is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving as Jesus did." He further called the whole Church to become "a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world," animated by "the missionary spirit" that avoids "closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world." These words echo the life of the Curé of Ars, whose quiet holiness, pastoral charity and tireless ministry of reconciliation drew countless souls to Christ. Like St. John Mary Vianney, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that the Church grows not through influence or prestige, but through humble, self-giving love that reflects the heart of the Good Shepherd.
The Curé of Ars continues to challenge us today. Whether priest, religious or lay faithful, we are all called to become instruments of God's mercy. Holiness begins not with extraordinary talents but with an ordinary heart completely surrendered to God. Like St. John Mary Vianney, may we discover that the most fruitful ministry is simply to remain close to Christ, so that others, encountering us, may encounter Him.