St. John Mary Vianney
French parish priest (1786-1859), of remarkably weak academic preparation, assigned to the obscure village of Ars in 1818, where he became one of the most sought-after confessors in 19th-century Europe (16-18 hours a day in the confessional in his last years). Patron of parish priests; canonized 1925 by Pius XI.
Life & Times
Born: 8 May 1786 · Died: 4 August 1859 · From: France.
Patronage
St. John Mary Vianney is invoked as the patron of parish priests, confessors, clergy. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. John Mary Vianney, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.