John Vianney was born on May 8, 1786, in Dardilly, near Lyons, France. After many difficulties, because he was a poor student, he was ordained a priest in 1815 for the Diocese of Grenoble. Three years later he was assigned to the church in the tiny village of Ars. For forty years he visited his parishioners, especially the sick and poor. He became widely known for his time spent in prayer, his extreme mortification of his senses, his compassion to sinners in the sacrament of penance, and his wisdom in the direction of souls. Over time crowds came from all over Europe to hear his simple but powerful sermons, and to go to confession to him. By 1855, 20,000 pilgrims a year visited him in Ars. He often spent 16 hours a day hearing confessions. Many miracles are recorded of his help to the poor, his supernatural knowledge of souls, and healing of the sick, especially children. Throughout his priesthood he labored with unfailing humility, gentleness, patience, and cheerfulness. He died on August 4, 1859, and was canonized a saint by Pope Pius XI on May 31, 1925. He is the patron of parish priests, and universally known as the “Cure of Ars.” His feast day is August 4.