The Vianney Way

A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: he wanted to become a priest, but he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.

​

His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue, but his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.

​

Situations calling for “impossible” deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep.

​

With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La Providence their home.

​

His work as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of self day after day.

​

Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s people. 

​

In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide. John Vianney is a reminder to our students and community that anyone with "vision" and trust in God is capable of anything. When we say, "it's the Vianney way", we refer to an act that is virtuously rooted and carried out in faith, excellence, and service. It's what we strive for everyday at St. John Vianney Regional School.