An Encouraging Word

     When I was growing up in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, there was a Franciscan Friary in the town.  The priests there assisted the local parishes, and shared the charism of Saint Francis of Assisi with the local community.  They hosted a Third Order Secular community at the Friary.  In my high school years I had already entered the seminary on my journey to priesthood.  I remember during the summer months joining with the Friars and being invested as a Third Order Secular Franciscan.  You had to choose a "religious" name, and I chose Jean Marie, after the Cure of Ars, Saint Jean Marie Vianney.

     Last Sunday, August 4th, was the feast of Saint John Mary Vianney.  He died on that date one hundred and sixty years ago this year, in his parish in the village of Ars in France.  His story is an interesting one, one that I could relate to as I studied for priesthood and then ministered as a priest in the life of the Church.

     Pope Francis on Sunday issued a "Letter to Priests" in the Universal Church to commemorate this anniversary, for the Cure of Ars was proposed by Pope Pius XI as "patron of parish priests throughout the world".  In the introduction, Pope Francis states: "Like the Cure of Ars, you serve 'in the trenches', bearing the burden of the day and the heat (cf. Mt 20:12), confronting an endless variety of situations in your effort to care for and accompany God's people."  He goes on to give an encouraging word: "I want to say a word to each of you who, often without fanfare and at personal cost, amid weariness, infirmity and sorrow, carry out your mission of service to God and to your people.  Despite the hardships of the journey, you are writing the finest pages of the priestly life."

     It is refreshing to hear a word of encouragement from the Holy Father.  We are fortunate to hear such words often from Bishop Edward Malesic of our diocese.  So many of the faithful have also shone their support of priests through their prayers and friendships and encouraging words.  These are difficult days in the priesthood for many reasons, not the least of which are the allegations of sexual abuse of minors by some priests.  Next week marks the one year anniversary of the Grand Jury report in Pennsylvania that labelled the Church and her priests as "predators".  The desire for justice for the victims of abuse cannot negate the rights and reputations of the Church and of those accused.  Justice is required for all, but so is truth and the rule of law rather than the rule of the news cycle and prejudice.

    The Cure of Ars gave his life and his heart in quiet, faithful service to his flock.  So do our priests!  Like him we struggle and fall at times ... like him we know our shortcomings and sinfulness ... and like him we strive toward that goal of holiness and eternal life that is a gift of mercy from the Father.   I mentioned this a while back, but my greatest concern is that our response to the crisis does not seem to come from the gospel message of Repentance ... Reconciliation ... Renewal and Restoration.

 The Relic of the Heart of Saint John Mary Vianney

An icon of the Saint.

     The relic of Saint John Mary Vianney's incorruptible heart was brought to our diocese on the Wednesday of Holy Week this year, through the efforts of the Knights of Columbus.  It was a blessing and joy to be able to pray with the people of God at Our Lady of Grace Church, so close to this pastor whose heart was poured out for the service of God's People of one hundred and sixty years ago.

     Please pray for your priests and pray for the Church.  Saint Jean Marie Vianny, pray for the Lord's priests and his people.