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Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Our faith provides the direction for where God’s children must go to find the nourishment they seek. It also tells us how to structure life so that justice and equity can be a reality for all. It also tells us how to respond to pain, sinfulness, and confusion. Come to the water and then help another get there." ~ An excerpt from this week's LPI Gospel reflection

"Our faith provides the direction for where God’s children must go to find the nourishment they seek. It also tells us how to structure life so that justice and equity can be a reality for all. It also tells us how to respond to pain, sinfulness, and confusion. Come to the water and then help another get there."
~ An excerpt from this week's LPI Gospel reflection

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<strong>Eighteenth</strong> <strong>Sunday</strong> <strong>in</strong> Ord<strong>in</strong>ary <strong>Time</strong><br />

August 2, 2020<br />

407 south ma<strong>in</strong> street<br />

north syracuse, new york 13212<br />

“I will make with you<br />

an everlast<strong>in</strong>g covenant...”<br />

~ Isaiah 55:3


August 2, 2020 | Page 2<br />

parish OFFICE | 407 South Ma<strong>in</strong> Street<br />

**closed to the public until further notice**<br />

315-458-0283 | strose@syrdio.org<br />

Mass <strong>in</strong>tentions<br />

PASTOR | Rev. Christopher J. Celentano<br />

PAROCHIAL VICAR | Rev. Msgr. Francis A. Osei Nyarko<br />

PERMANENT DEACON & RCIA COORDINATOR | Bill Wilson<br />

315-256-5052 | wwilson@syrdio.org<br />

parish secretary | joanne MACKOWSKY<br />

Director of Youth M<strong>in</strong>istries | Teresa Liguori<br />

tliguori@syrdio.org<br />

Coord<strong>in</strong>ator of Catechesis | Christ<strong>in</strong>a Palazzoli<br />

EXT. 5 | cpalazzoli@syrdio.org<br />

Coord<strong>in</strong>ator of Parish Communications &<br />

Assistant to the director of Youth MInistries | Andrew Pugliese<br />

EXT. 4 | Apugliese@syrdio.org<br />

MUSIC DIRECTOR | Bill Verity<br />

wverity@syrdio.org<br />

PASTORAL COUNSELING SERVICE | Donna Williamson<br />

EXT. 8<br />

MASS SCHEDULE:<br />

* - Indicates Live Streamed Masses<br />

MonDAY thru Saturday – 9 AM*<br />

Saturday Vigil (Inside the church) — 4 PM*<br />

<strong>Sunday</strong> — 8:30 AM (In the Park<strong>in</strong>g Lot)<br />

10:30 AM* (In the Park<strong>in</strong>g Lot)<br />

SACRAMENT OF reconciliation:<br />

Wednesdays — 6-7 PM*<br />

PLEASE NOTE: No more than 100 people <strong>in</strong> the church at once<br />

· all must wear a mask, no exceptions<br />

· All Must practice proper social distanc<strong>in</strong>g at all times<br />

Monday, August 3rd<br />

9 AM<br />

Tuesday, August 4th<br />

9 Am<br />

Wednesday, August 5th<br />

9 Am<br />

Thursday, August 6th<br />

9 AM<br />

Friday, August 7th<br />

9 AM<br />

Saturday, August 8th<br />

9 AM<br />

4 PM<br />

<strong>Sunday</strong>, August 9th<br />

8:30 AM<br />

10:30 AM<br />

· Anthony Ponzio| R — Wife, Diane<br />

· Dennis Leakey | R — Charlene McGough<br />

· In Div<strong>in</strong>e Will All Priests | R — Veronica Huh<br />

· Walter Bielec, Jr. | R — Joyce<br />

· Carmen Giamart<strong>in</strong>o | R — Donald & Joan Dolpe<br />

· Connie Festa | R — Peter & Mary Capponi<br />

· Brian Ahearn, 7th Anniversary | R — Wife, Shirley<br />

· Anna Anelli | R — Rich & Eralda Walters<br />

· Gradys & Montcalms | R — Family<br />

· Barbara Barry | R — Chuck Barry & Family<br />

· Charles Lohm| R — Wife, Theresa<br />

· Margaret J. Kelly | R — L<strong>in</strong>da John<br />

St. ROse of Lima School<br />

411 South Ma<strong>in</strong> Street | 315-458-6036<br />

PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Mary Crysler | mcrysler@syrdiocese.org<br />

July 26 Collections: $10,808.00<br />

f l y<br />

STroseny.org<br />

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:<br />

· Maximum 100 People <strong>in</strong> the church at once<br />

· all must wear a mask, no exceptions<br />

· All Must practice proper<br />

social distanc<strong>in</strong>g at all times


Janet Adams<br />

Patricia Becker<br />

Pat Brown<br />

Holly Brown<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Jim Byrnes<br />

Michael (Mickey) Caiello<br />

Peter Capponi IV<br />

Marie Case<br />

Cheryl Coleman<br />

Gerald Coleman<br />

Kathy Crouse<br />

Jill Cullen<br />

Gary Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Jr.<br />

Kim Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham<br />

Margaret<br />

Czarniewicz<br />

Paul D<strong>in</strong>et<br />

Skylar Decker<br />

Stacey Decker<br />

Bekka Dembowski<br />

Julie Dembowski<br />

Tom Emery<br />

John Fazio, Jr.<br />

L<strong>in</strong>da Franks<br />

Anne Fritcher<br />

Barbara Giordano<br />

prayer list<br />

Heather Gleason<br />

Tim Gregory<br />

Joseph Gugliotta, Jr.<br />

Patricia Halp<strong>in</strong><br />

Tim Haven<br />

David Hurst<br />

Kate Jackson<br />

Robert Jackson<br />

Connie Juliano<br />

Mary Ann Karmaz<strong>in</strong><br />

Carole Kirwan<br />

Dot Kloiber<br />

Trudy LeRoux<br />

Carole MacMillan<br />

David Mahoney<br />

Sharon Marra<br />

Kaylee Marshfield<br />

Shannon Mart<strong>in</strong><br />

Mary Beth Matyasik<br />

Alice Merriman<br />

Kathleen Moore<br />

Robert O’Konski<br />

Rose Ostrowski<br />

Norma Pantiera<br />

Dr. Sam Paris<br />

Susan Paris<br />

Dorothy Phillips<br />

Tyler Piagent<strong>in</strong>i<br />

Mike Qu<strong>in</strong>n<br />

Walter Rhea<br />

Everly Rice<br />

Kyle Rice<br />

David Ross<br />

Shannon Ryan<br />

Sunny Irv<strong>in</strong>g Schlie<br />

Art Schlitter<br />

Dolores Schiano<br />

Bradley Six<br />

Carolyn Smith<br />

Sue Sollitt<br />

Anne Marie Trait<br />

Barbara Vacchiano<br />

Beverly Voltz<br />

Parker Wall<br />

Christ<strong>in</strong>e Wallace<br />

Suzanne Warner<br />

Henry Weyer<br />

Brian White<br />

Patrick Williamson<br />

Florence Wojcik<br />

Prayer for Vocation<br />

August 2, 2020 | Page 3<br />

WEEKLY READINGS AND OBSERVANCES<br />

<strong>Sunday</strong>, August 2nd<br />

Monday, August 3rd<br />

Tuesday, August 4th<br />

Wednesday, August 5th<br />

Thursday, August 6th<br />

Friday, August 7th<br />

Saturday, August 8th<br />

<strong>Sunday</strong>, August 9th<br />

Read<strong>in</strong>gs for the Week of August 2, 2020<br />

Is 55:1-3| Ps 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18 [cf. 16]<br />

Rom 8:35, 37-39 | Mt 14:13-21<br />

Jer 28:1-17 | Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102 [68b] | Mt 14:22-36<br />

Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22| Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23 [17]<br />

Mt 14:22-36 or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14<br />

Jer 31:1-7| Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 [cf. 10d] | Mt 15:21-28<br />

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 | Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 [1a, 9a] |2 Pt 1:16-19 | Mt 17:1-9<br />

Na 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 | Dt 32:35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41 [39c] | Mt 16:24-28<br />

Hb: 1:12 — 2:4 | Ps 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 [11b] | Mt 17:14-20<br />

1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a| Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 [8]<br />

Rom 9:1-5 | Mt 14:22-33<br />

Lov<strong>in</strong>g God, you sent your Spirit on the apostles to cont<strong>in</strong>ue the mission<br />

of your Son, Jesus. We pray that you will now send your spirit on our<br />

bishops, priests, deacons, sisters and brothers, fill<strong>in</strong>g them with zeal<br />

to evangelize your people. We pray for all that are presently discern<strong>in</strong>g<br />

your call, those <strong>in</strong> vocational formation and those prepar<strong>in</strong>g them.<br />

We pray that you bless our diocese with more priests and deacons,<br />

and religious congregations with new members. Mary our Mother and<br />

patroness <strong>in</strong>tercede for us that our pastoral Needs may be fulfilled<br />

Bishop Douglas J. Lucia has written a special novena prayer for<br />

an end through to the coronavirus Him who is pandemic. Lord for The ever text and of the ever. n<strong>in</strong>e-day<br />

prayer is below.<br />

Amen.<br />

and all our parishioners <strong>in</strong> nurs<strong>in</strong>g homes<br />

PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to place someone on the Prayer List or if someone<br />

should be taken off the Prayer List, please call the Parish Office at 458-0283<br />

scholarship calendar w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

July 20th<br />

#783 - St. Rose - $25.00<br />

July 21st<br />

July 22nd<br />

July 23rd<br />

July 24th<br />

July 25th<br />

July 26th<br />

#240 - John Macko - $25.00 | Vicky Logan - $25.00<br />

#532 - St. Rose - $25.00<br />

#574 - St. Rose - $25.00<br />

#289 - Dan & Joanne Mackowsky - $25.00<br />

#198 - St. Rose - $25.00<br />

#001 - Sr. Eugene Schneider - $30.00


August 2, 2020 | Page 4<br />

The Introductory Rite<br />

Gloria<br />

Glory to God <strong>in</strong> the highest, and<br />

on earth peace to people of<br />

good will.<br />

We praise you,<br />

we bless you,<br />

we adore you,<br />

we glorify you,<br />

we give you praise for your<br />

great glory,<br />

Lord God, heavenly K<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

O God, almighty Father.<br />

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten<br />

Son,<br />

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of<br />

the Father,<br />

you take away the s<strong>in</strong>s of the<br />

world, have mercy on us;<br />

you take away the s<strong>in</strong>s of the<br />

world, receive our prayer;<br />

you are seated at right hand of<br />

the Father, have mercy on us.<br />

For you alone are the Holy One,<br />

you alone are the Lord,<br />

you alone are the Most High,<br />

Jesus Christ,<br />

with the Holy Spirit, <strong>in</strong> the glory of<br />

God the Father.<br />

Amen.<br />

COLLECT<br />

Let us pray (pause)<br />

Draw near to your servants, O<br />

Lord, and answer their prayers<br />

with unceas<strong>in</strong>g k<strong>in</strong>dness, that,<br />

for those who glory <strong>in</strong> you as<br />

their Creator and guide, you may<br />

restore what you have created<br />

and keep safe what you have<br />

restored.<br />

Through our Lord Jesus Christ,<br />

your Son, who lives and reigns<br />

with you <strong>in</strong> the unity of the Holy<br />

Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<br />

R. Amen.<br />

FIRST READING<br />

A read<strong>in</strong>g from the Prophet of Isaiah (55:1-3)<br />

(Hasten and Eat)<br />

Thus says the Lord: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You<br />

who have no money, come, receive gra<strong>in</strong> and eat; Come, without<br />

pay<strong>in</strong>g and without cost, dr<strong>in</strong>k w<strong>in</strong>e and milk! Why spend your<br />

money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy?<br />

Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight <strong>in</strong> rich fare. Come<br />

to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you<br />

the everlast<strong>in</strong>g covenant, the benefits assured to David.<br />

—The Word of the Lord.<br />

R. Thanks be to God.<br />

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18)<br />

R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. (Psalm 145:16)<br />

The Lord is gracious<br />

and merciful, slow to<br />

anger and of great<br />

k<strong>in</strong>dness. The Lord is<br />

good to all and compassionate<br />

toward all<br />

his works. (R)<br />

The eyes of all look<br />

hopefully to you, and<br />

you give them their<br />

food <strong>in</strong> due season;<br />

you open your hand<br />

and satisfy the desire<br />

of every liv<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>g. (R)<br />

The Liturgy of the Word<br />

The Lord is just <strong>in</strong> all<br />

his ways and holy <strong>in</strong><br />

all his works. The Lord<br />

is near to all who call<br />

upon him, to all who<br />

call upon him <strong>in</strong> truth.<br />

(R)<br />

SECOND READING<br />

A read<strong>in</strong>g from the Letter of Sa<strong>in</strong>t Paul to the Romans (8:35, 37-39)<br />

(No creature will be able to separate us from the love of God <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus)<br />

Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ?<br />

Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or fam<strong>in</strong>e, or nakedness, or<br />

peril, or the sword? No, <strong>in</strong> all these th<strong>in</strong>gs we conquer overwhelm<strong>in</strong>gly<br />

through him who loved us. For I am conv<strong>in</strong>ced that neither death, nor<br />

life, nor angels, nor pr<strong>in</strong>cipalities, nor present th<strong>in</strong>gs, nor future th<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able<br />

to separate us from the love of God <strong>in</strong> Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />

—The Word of the Lord.<br />

R. Thanks be to God.<br />

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matthew 4:4)<br />

R. Alleluia, alleluia.<br />

One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth<br />

from the mouth of God. (R)<br />

GOSPEL<br />

A read<strong>in</strong>g from the holy Gospel accord<strong>in</strong>g to Matthew (14:13-21)<br />

(They all ate and were satisfied)<br />

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew <strong>in</strong> a boat to a<br />

deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot<br />

from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was<br />

moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was even<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />

disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late;<br />

dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”<br />

Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them<br />

some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we<br />

have here.” Then he said, “Br<strong>in</strong>g them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds<br />

to sit down on the grass. Tak<strong>in</strong>g the five loaves and the two fish, and look<strong>in</strong>g up<br />

to heaven, he said the bless<strong>in</strong>g, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples,<br />

who <strong>in</strong> turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they<br />

picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate<br />

were about five thousand men, not count<strong>in</strong>g women and children.<br />

—The Gospel of the Lord.<br />

R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.


The Nicene Creed<br />

I believe <strong>in</strong> one God, the Father almighty,<br />

maker of heaven and earth, of all th<strong>in</strong>gs visible and <strong>in</strong>visible.<br />

I believe <strong>in</strong> one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born<br />

of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God<br />

from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;<br />

through him all th<strong>in</strong>gs were made. For us men and for our salvation<br />

he came down from heaven, (bow your head) and by the Holy Spirit<br />

was <strong>in</strong>carnate of the Virg<strong>in</strong> Mary, and became man. (lift your head)<br />

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death<br />

and was buried, and rose aga<strong>in</strong>on the third day <strong>in</strong> accordance with the<br />

Scriptures. He ascended <strong>in</strong>to heaven and is seated at the right hand<br />

of the Father. He will come aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> glory to judge the liv<strong>in</strong>g and the<br />

dead and his k<strong>in</strong>gdom will have no end.<br />

I believe <strong>in</strong> the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from<br />

the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored<br />

and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.<br />

I believe <strong>in</strong> one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism<br />

for the forgiveness of s<strong>in</strong>s and I look forward to the resurrection of<br />

the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen<br />

PRAYER Over The Offer<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

Let us pray (pause)<br />

The Liturgy of the Eucharist<br />

Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord,<br />

we pray, and, accept<strong>in</strong>g the oblation<br />

of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an<br />

eternal offer<strong>in</strong>g to you.<br />

Through Christ our Lord.<br />

R. Amen.<br />

COMMUNION ANTIPHON<br />

(Wisdom 16:20)<br />

You have given us, O Lord, bread from<br />

heaven, endowed with all delights and<br />

sweetness <strong>in</strong> every taste.<br />

August 2, 2020 | Page 5<br />

An act of spiritual communion<br />

*this is to be prayed at the time when we would normally receive communion*<br />

My Jesus, I believe that you are <strong>in</strong><br />

the blessed sacrament. I love you<br />

above all th<strong>in</strong>gs and I long for you <strong>in</strong><br />

my soul. s<strong>in</strong>ce I cannot now receive<br />

you sacramentally, come at least spiritually<br />

<strong>in</strong>to my heart. as though you<br />

have already come, I embrace you<br />

and unite myself entirely to you; never<br />

permit me to be separated from you.<br />

Amen.<br />

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION<br />

Let us pray (pause)<br />

Accompany with constant protection,<br />

O Lord, those you renew with these<br />

heavenly gifts and, <strong>in</strong> your never-fail<strong>in</strong>g<br />

care for them, make them worthy of<br />

eternal redemption.<br />

Through Christ our Lord.<br />

R. Amen.<br />

Hail Mary<br />

Hail, Mary, full of grace,the Lord is with thee.Blessed art<br />

thou among womenand blessed is the fruit of thywomb,<br />

Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God,pray for us s<strong>in</strong>ners,now<br />

and at the hour of our death.<br />

Amen.<br />

Prayer to St. Michael<br />

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us <strong>in</strong> battle, be our protection aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly<br />

pray; and do thou, O Pr<strong>in</strong>ce of the heavenly host, by the power of<br />

God, thrust <strong>in</strong>to Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the<br />

world for the ru<strong>in</strong> of souls. Amen.<br />

Cornerstone (2012)<br />

Hillsong Worship<br />

My hope is built on<br />

noth<strong>in</strong>g less<br />

Than Jesus blood and<br />

righteousness<br />

I dare not trust the<br />

sweetest frame<br />

But wholly trust <strong>in</strong> Jesus<br />

name (x2)<br />

[Chorus]<br />

Christ alone, Cornerstone<br />

Weak made strong<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Saviour’s love<br />

Through the storm,<br />

He is Lord, Lord of all<br />

[Verse 2]<br />

When darkness seems<br />

to hide His face<br />

I rest on<br />

His unchang<strong>in</strong>g grace<br />

In every high and<br />

stormy gale<br />

My anchor holds with<strong>in</strong><br />

the veil<br />

Communion Hymn<br />

[Chorus]<br />

Christ alone, Cornerstone<br />

Weak made strong<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Saviour’s love<br />

Through the storm,<br />

He is Lord, Lord of all<br />

He is Lord,<br />

Lord of all<br />

(x3)<br />

[Verse 3]<br />

When He shall come<br />

with trumpet sound<br />

Oh may I then<br />

<strong>in</strong> Him be found<br />

Dressed <strong>in</strong> His<br />

righteousness alone<br />

Faultless stand<br />

before the throne<br />

[Interlude]<br />

[Chorus]<br />

Christ alone, Cornerstone<br />

Weak made strong <strong>in</strong><br />

the Saviour’s love<br />

Through the storm,<br />

He is Lord, Lord of all<br />

(x3)<br />

Clos<strong>in</strong>g Hymn


August 2, 2020 | Page 6<br />

PARISH NOTES<br />

Welcome, Teresa Liguori,<br />

our new Director of Youth M<strong>in</strong>istries!<br />

Hello everyone —<br />

my name is Teresa<br />

Liguori, I was just hired<br />

as the Director of the<br />

Middle and High School<br />

Youth Programs here at<br />

Sa<strong>in</strong>t Rose of Lima.<br />

I am excited to be a part<br />

of the Sa<strong>in</strong>t Rose community and I have already<br />

felt very at home here even after just a few weeks,<br />

thanks to the rest of the m<strong>in</strong>istry team!<br />

I had my first exposure to youth m<strong>in</strong>istry as a<br />

middle school participant over 15 years ago at my<br />

local church <strong>in</strong> Newburyport, MA where I grew<br />

up. The experiences that I had <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g 6<br />

years made a profound impact on me, and I credit<br />

any faith I have to those formative years.<br />

Ever s<strong>in</strong>ce, I’ve had a pull on my heart to create<br />

a space where teenagers can experience God<br />

the Father’s love <strong>in</strong> their own lives <strong>in</strong> a personal<br />

way. I pursued my faith and education at Franciscan<br />

University of Steubenville and received<br />

a Bachelors Degree <strong>in</strong> Theology and Catechetics<br />

with a concentration <strong>in</strong> Youth M<strong>in</strong>istry.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce graduat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2012, I’ve worked as a High<br />

School Religion Teacher as well as <strong>in</strong> various<br />

m<strong>in</strong>istry sett<strong>in</strong>gs (full time) both <strong>in</strong> our Diocese<br />

and across the country. North Syracuse is<br />

where God has currently placed me on mission,<br />

and I am excited to see what plans the Lord has<br />

for the youth of Sa<strong>in</strong>t Rose of Lima!


Sa<strong>in</strong>t of the Week<br />

Sa<strong>in</strong>t John Vianney<br />

The Curé of Ars<br />

(1786-1859)<br />

August 2, 2020 | Page 7<br />

Born <strong>in</strong> a small village <strong>in</strong> France <strong>in</strong><br />

1786, Jean Vianney and his family<br />

suffered through the dark years of<br />

the French Revolution, when the<br />

faith was attacked, churches were<br />

destroyed, and bishops, priests and religious martyrs. So dangerous were the times<br />

that young Jean had to receive his first Holy Communion <strong>in</strong> secret from a faithful<br />

priest.Ye thardship only <strong>in</strong>creased Jean’s desire to serve Jesus and his people. After<br />

the Reign of Terror ended <strong>in</strong> France, and follow<strong>in</strong>g the Napoleonic wars, young Jean<br />

entered the sem<strong>in</strong>ary, where he met with more obstacles. He found studies difficult,<br />

struggl<strong>in</strong>g especially with Lat<strong>in</strong>, and was about to be dismissed from the sem<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

when an official of his diocese <strong>in</strong>terceded. Know<strong>in</strong>g the young man to be earnest<br />

and prayerful, the vicar general asked the sem<strong>in</strong>ary rector some simple questions:<br />

“Is he pious? Has he a devotion to Our Lady? Does he know how to say his rosary?”<br />

The rector admitted that Jean was “a model of piety.” The vicar general said that he<br />

should cont<strong>in</strong>ue his studies and “the grace of God will do the rest.”At Jean Vianney’s<br />

ord<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> 1815, the vicar general said, “The Church wants not only learned priests<br />

but, even more, holy ones.”<br />

Father Vianney was assigned to the small farm<strong>in</strong>g community of Ars, whose<br />

parish consisted of 260 people. Walk<strong>in</strong>g along the road, tow<strong>in</strong>g a few possessions <strong>in</strong><br />

a cart, he thanked a local boy who po<strong>in</strong>ted him the way, say<strong>in</strong>g, “You have shown me<br />

the way to Ars; I will show you the way to heaven.” The political turbulence, anti-clericalism<br />

and religious skepticism of the age had taken their toll on the village, and<br />

the practice of the faith was poor. Father Vianney undertook a life of heroic penance<br />

and prayer to draw his people away from s<strong>in</strong> and closer to God. Known for his wise<br />

spiritual counsels and the gift of read<strong>in</strong>g hearts, he soon became a “prisoner” of the<br />

confessional, hear<strong>in</strong>g confessions for up to eighteen hours a day, as people came<br />

from across Europe and beyond to see him. He also exercised great charity, build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

an orphanage for homeless children and receiv<strong>in</strong>g beggars with an open heart and<br />

hand. Due to his success <strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g souls to Christ, he became a target of the devil,<br />

who confronted the priest on various occasions. Undeterred, Father Vianney did not<br />

fall for the devil’s tricks and dismissed strange events by say<strong>in</strong>g, “It’s just the devil.”<br />

Jean Vianney died on Aug. 4, 1859, at the age of 73. Nearly 1,000 people attended<br />

his funeral, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the bishop and priests of the diocese. On Oct. 3, 1873, Pope<br />

Pius IX proclaimed him Venerable, and on Jan. 8, 1905, Pope Pius X beatified him. St.<br />

Jean Vianney was canonized by Pope PiusXI on May 31, 1925. In 1929,the Holy Father<br />

declared him patron of parish priests. His feast day is August 4

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