Saint John Vianney is venerated as a protector and role model to all priests and in particular to all priests who serve in Parishes as Parish Priests.
He was born on 8th May 1786 at Dardilly, France during the period of French Revolution.
His parents were Marie Beluze and Mathieu Vianney. He had three other siblings. His family was involved in farming. His primary education as well as his First Holy Communion was in a total hiding as there was persecution of Religion. In spite of all these difficulties he had the vocation of becoming a priest. He was ordained a priest in 1815 and soon became a curate in Ecully.
In 1818 he was sent to a remote place known as ARS as a parish priest. This place was of notorious people as well as people about to leave the religion. Such was the challenge before this young priest.
As he had no much education due to the French revolution and as he could not pursue much studies he felt that he was unworthy of his mission as a pastor. However he totally committed to the will of God and decided to serve the people with love and dedication.
Saint Vianney slowly helped in reviving the faith of the people through prayers and was a witness of his lifestyle.
He, preaching the Word of God had a powerful impact on the lives of his people. He spoke on Love and Mercy of God. He even told them that the worst sinner will have compassion of God. He tried to bring order in their lives. He was in the confessional for almost 14-16 hours listening to the sins. People from far used to come to listen to the Word of God as well as confessions. St. Vianney remained firm to his faith in spite of many objections as well as false charges levelled against him. His faith was so strong that he fought all odds. His devotion to GOD and dedication to Blessed Sacrament made him spend much time in prayers. Practiced mortification, lived on little food and sleep. He worked for his Parish upliftment with unfailing humility, gentleness, patience and cheerfulness. He continued in this Parish for many years and was well over 70 years when he died on 4th August 1859. He was known by the Title of HOLY CURE OF ARS. Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1925.
In 2009 Pope Benedict XVI on his 150th Death Anniversary declared as year of PRIESTS and wrote a letter to all clergy encouraging all of them to look at St. John Vianney as an example of dedication to one’s Priestly calling.
Similarly we too have Priests in our Parishes whom we call Parish Priests, Assistants.
Today we dedicate this day to all of you, our Priests who serve us in our churches. For your commitment to build us up and lead us to God. The Parish Priest and the Assistants reside in the Church premises and work for the Church and the congregation where they serve.
They do not rest even on a Sunday. When everyone wants to rest on a Sunday, they have important duties to perform, mainly Liturgy, Mass, Catechism, Baptisms and even funeral.
During the Pandemic they have worked against all odds.
Whenever there is a funeral all tried to avoid by not attending. Could a Parish Priest avoid? He has to minister to the needs.
The Parish Priest has a challenging task, to understand and accommodate all the faithful in the parish and to lead them to understand God’s Mercy.
Your selfless, dedicated service, compassionate way of dealing with every one, always available to minister the sacraments, to hear confessions, counseling them fulfills the pastoral duties.
Due to Covid restrictions, you have made various alternatives not looking into your own safety, rather helped us whenever we needed you. We have benefited by your presence Fr. Andrew and Fr. Leslie, in our midst. You as our Parish Priest is our own St. John Mary Vianney.
On this day let us take a pledge towards our Parish Priest and the assistants who serve us for some years in our Parish. Their work may be recognized and appreciated by every parishioner. They come to the Parish leaving behind everything to serve the parish allotted to them, and when they leave the Parish after the term is over, they take nothing for themselves. They serve us with dignity. Let us acknowledge and honour them with our Love, understanding and gratitude.
We salute you and respect your commitment.
-Rosarito Coelho