The Secret of the Cure d’Ars
The life of St. John Vianney (1784-1859) was marked by boundless humility and obedience to God. In 1818, when this simple French priest was assigned to the parish of Ars — a town of just 250 people — few would have guessed that it would lead to his international notoriety (even without modern communications!). You will see how this happened — how Vianney’s tireless work in his parish quickly flowered into a radical spiritual transformation of the community and its surroundings.
Acclaimed dramatist Henri Ghéon presents a model of great holiness whom all readers can appreciate. Vianney “cured souls and bodies,” he writes. “He read hearts like a book. And the Blessed Virgin visited him, and the foul fiend dragged him by the heels but could not prevent him from being a saint.”
The Curé is not only the patron of parish priests but is also a powerful intercessor for those struggling with studies or suffering from inner turmoil or exhaustion. By 1827, he was receiving visitors
