St. John Vianney Inspiration

 Today is the feast day of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests. I remembered exactly a year ago at this time. My parents and I were going on our camping trip to Mt. Lassen, but we had to leave early because of the turbulent fire nearby. 

It was a little over a week later when I desired to learn more about him. I did some work at my job right before the school year started. It was an interesting time- what felt like sourness internally with so much changing around me, but things staying stagnantly the same for me. I needed something new, something vibrant and interesting if I was going to thrive. After the short workday, I went on over to the library, needing something to keep me inspired- ideas, books, learning. 

Somehow, what came to mind quickly was looking up books on St. John Vianney. Maybe it was because I knew he struggled in seminary, or that he was a strong spiritual fighter in the parish he was serving and conquering the devil; maybe I knew I needed his intercession and witness in what felt like a rock-hard season that was forming.

I did find a book about him from Link + and enjoyed reading and learning about his life, his priestly ministry, sacrifices, mortifications and the graces God gave him to change the city and parish in Ars, France. He changed it to become more devote, religious and come away from its secularism. I have also read another great book about this saint my sister had that was also informative and spiritually enriching. 

I am grateful for that inspiration in what felt like digging a well to form some sort of inspiration to pull me through. May the Cure of Ars intercede for us and be with us on our journey and to assist with holy, and active parishes and priests.