(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 Parish Priests. Popularly known as „the Cure d‚Ars,‰ 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.
Also known as Cure of Ars; Jean Baptiste Marie Vianney; Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney; Jean-Baptiste Vianney; John Baptist Vianney; John Vianney
Profile Farm hand who in his youth taught other children their prayers and catechism. Ordained in 1815, though it took several years study as he had little education, was not a very good student, and his Latin was terrible. Assigned for a while to Ecully. In 1818 he was assigned to the parish of Ars, a tiny village near Lyons, which suffered from very lax attendance; he began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor. Spent days in prayer, doing penance for his parishioners. Gifted with discernment of spirits, prophecy, hidden knowledge, and working miracles. Tormented by evil spirits, especially when he tried to get his 2-3 hours of sleep each night. Crowds came to hear him preach, and to make their reconciliation because of his reputation with penitents; by 1855 there were 20,000 pilgrims a year to Ars. Spent 40 years as the parish priest.
Born 8 May 1786 at Dardilly, Lyons, France
Died 4 August 1859 at Ars, France of natural causes