Also known as the Curé d’Ars, St John Vianney was well known for his holy life and ministry in the town of Ars, in France. Particularly significant was his ministry in the confessional, where he would hear confessions for several hours each day. He is the patron saint of parish priests.

He had a great devotion to Our Lady, and said of her: ‘When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrance to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant’.

May St John Vianney pray for us today in all that we undertake, and may God bless you this day.