Saint John Vianney, Patron of Priests

Item Number: P148

Size: 8 3/4" (22.2 cm)
(Ansis, Evan, Giannes, Giovanni, Hans, Hannu, Ioannis, Ivan, Iwan, Ivashka, Jan, Janeczek, Jankielek, Janko, Janos, Jean, Jonas, Jovan, Johann, Johannes, Joannes, Juhani, Juan, Juanitocho, Vanechka, Vanya, Xuan, Yochanan, Zana) [1786-1859] is the Patron of Priests. Popularly known as the Cure d"šArs, John was a farm hand before he began his studies for the priesthood at the age of nineteen. With great difficulties he completed his studies and was ordained in 1815 and in 1818, he was appointed parish priest of Ars, where he worked the rest of his life, and for which he became world famous as a confessor, administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation. From far and wide, and from every class, penitents flocked to his confessional. During the last ten years of his life, he spent sixteen to eighteen hours a day there. He could read minds and souls and he was often tormented by evil spirits. He is shown with his priest"š a stole and a nagging devil. His feast is August 4.