(1786-1859) The “Holy Curé de Ars,” born to a family of farmers in France, was not a very good student, especially in Latin. He was ordained a priest at 29. As a parish priest for over 40 years, he led by example through constant prayer, teaching, and praying before the Blessed Sacrament. He would spend up to 16 hours a day in the confessional. Saint John Vianney was said to have several miraculous gifts, such as discernment of spirits, prophecy, and hidden knowledge, and was tormented by the demonic when he tried to get his regular two or three hours of sleep at night.

The only way to authentically place our hope and trust (our entire recovery program), our will and our lives (Step 3) in the care of God is to love Him more and more. Saint John prayed to Jesus, “The more we know you, the more we love you. Knowledge of you kindles such a fire in our souls that we have no energy left for worldly desires.” He nurtured this love daily before the Blessed Sacrament. What are you doing today to increase your love of Jesus?

“The saints did not all begin well, but they all ended well” (Saint John Vianney).

Reflection by Brad Farmer