Parish of St. John Vianney

St. Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney (May 8, 1786 - August 4, 1859) was a French parish priest who became a Catholic saint and the patron saint of parish priests. He is often referred to, even in English, as the "Curé d'Ars" (the parish priest of the village of Ars). He became famous internationally for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish due to the radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings. Catholics attribute this to his saintly life, mortification, and persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession.

Early Life

Jean-Marie Vianney was born on 8 May 1786 in the town of Dardilly, France, and was baptized the same day. Matthieu Vianney and Marie Beluze had six children, of which Jean was the third. He grew up in his family's farm in the rural town of Dardilly.The Vianneys were traditional Catholics, who always helped the poor. They even gave hospitality to St. Benedict Labre, the patron saint of tramps, who passed through Dardilly on his pilgrimage to Rome.

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