Commentary for the Feast of St.

John Marie Vianney

8/4/2023

Good morning my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Welcome to the Holy and Divine
Liturgy. Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. John Marie Baptiste Vianney who is venerated by
the Catholic Church as the patron of parish priests. He was born on May 8, 1786 in Dardilly,
France. St. John Vianney was ordained a priest on August 12, 1815.
During the course of his assignment as the parish priest of Ars, St. Vianney strived to
transform his town spiritually. He passionately preached against blasphemy and paganic dancing
and refused to give absolution to parishioners who did not obey. It took St. Vianney 10 years to
bring spiritual renewal to Ars but his perseverance resulted in greater attendance in his church
and the people turning away from their vices. He died on August 4, 1859 in Ars, and was
canonized on May 31, 1925 by Pope Pius XI.

In this Eucharistic celebration, we shall also witness the induction of the newly elected
and appointed officers of the Seminary Students’ Council.

We offer this solemn Eucharistic celebration in a special way for our pastors: the Holy
Father, Pope Francis, the bishops and the clergy.

We also include in our prayer intentions our relatives, friends, benefactors, the suffering,
and all the souls in purgatory.

Our Mass presider and preacher is Rev. Fr. Joey D. Gonzaga, Rector. Praising God with one
voice let us joyfully sing the entrance hymn, please all rise.