As the month of August dawns, we generally dedicate it to a personality who can be described in a nutshell: As the month of August dawns, we generally dedicate it to a personality who can be described in a nutshell: 

– HE is not an angel but feels the pain and joy and gets tired including the aches of aging.
– HE experiences hunger, cold & struggles to fight imperfections, always striving to build the kingdom of God on earth.
– HE carries his own crosses but not as an impossible load because he believes in Jesus’ words “Yoke is easy and burden is light”.
– HE believes his holiness is a work in progress, an effort, a battle day after day, a spiritual combat for all of us.
– HE comes from God but chosen from amongst men and put at the service to mankind, although he has his own life history and a family.
– HE prays and we pray with him fully aware that intercessory character is ingrained in his heart.
– HE is not a superman but an authentic brother, a great father, a good friend and a faithful son of the Church.

Yes, I’m referring to our Priests for whom a special priesthood day is normally celebrated on 4th August every year, which coincides with the day of death of St. John Vianney, who is venerated, as their patron Saint. This day is also named as Pastor’s Day.

This Saint was a French Parish Priest, born in Dardilly, France on May 8, 1786. He is internationally known for his priestly and pastoral work in his parish in Ars, France, because of the radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings. Catholics around the world attribute this to his saintly life, mortification, his persevering ministry in the sacrament of confession and his ardent devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Pope Pius X, declared him blessed and proposed him as a model to the parochial clergy. After being canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, he was made the patron saint of Parish Priests. In the Holy Father’s words, St. John Vianney is a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ’s flock. He is a sign of courage for those who today experience the grace of being called to the priesthood.

Let us spare a thought for all the priests. They are doing us yeomen service in spite of all odds. Let us pray for them so that they follow in the footsteps of their Patron Saint and achieve every success in the vineyard of our Lord. Let us also pray for the souls of all the departed Priests, so that they may obtain heavenly bliss.

Wishing our Parish Priest, Fr. Andre Pereira, Asst. Parish Priest, Fr. Gregorio Cruz and every other Priest all the very best and God’s choicest blessings on them, today & always.God Bless.

Felix Dias