St. John Mary Vianney was born at Dardilly, France, in 1786. He was a farm hand until his nineteenth year, when he began his studies for the priesthood. His talents were poor, and his progress slow. He was ordained at Grenoble in 1815; he became parish priest of Ars in 1818. That little town was the scene of his marvelous labors until his holy death, August 4, 1859. Like an angel from Heaven he entirely renewed the condition of his neglected and forsaken parish. Continually engaged for many hours daily in hearing Confessions and in giving spiritual direction, he introduced the frequent reception of the Eucharist, and organized pious sodalities: and in a remarkable manner he inspired into souls a tender devotion to the Immaculate Virgin. And, deeming that it is the duty of the pastor to expiate the sins of the flock accredited to him, he spared neither prayers, nor vigils, nor mortifications and continual fastings. Since Satan could not endure such great virtues in this man of God, he assailed him, first with mere annoyances, and afterwards in open combat; but John Mary patiently endured the most malevolent injuries. He was very often asked by the neighboring priests to labor for the salvation of souls after the manner of the Missionaries, either by preaching sermons, or by hearing Confessions, and he was always at hand in every case.

Reflection — Let us always remember that we have the assurance of Our Lord Himself that the more we love and serve Him, the more we shall be hated by wicked people.

Taken from Father Alban Butler's "Lives of the Saints for Every Day in the Year — With Reflections" Copyright 1955.