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Jean-Marie Vianney was born near Lyon in the year of Our Lord 1786, to a devout French family that traveled great distances to attend secret Masses during the diabolical Revolution. Though he was not unintelligent, Jean struggled in his education. At one point he was drafted into France’s war with Spain, but his younger brother offered to serve in his place. Jean was ordained in 1815, and assisted his mentor and advocate Fr. Balley until the older priest’s death. Fr. Vianney was then made curé, or parish priest, of a small village near Lyon called Ars, where he would serve the rest of his life. The Curé of Ars was frustrated by the initial apathy and laxity of the village, and he was regularly tormented by demons, but the priest’s patience and holiness eventually transformed the people of his parish. He became known for working miracles, and spent up to eighteen hours a day in the confessional. Near the end of his life he could read souls, and he helped spread popular devotion to St. Philomena. Fr. Vianney died in the year of Our Lord 1859. Pope Pius XI declared him patron of parish priests. He is also honored on August 4th and 8th.
THE vigil of St. Lawrence, martyr.
At Rome, St. Romanus, soldier, who was moved by the torments of blessed Lawrence to ask for baptism from him. He was immediately prosecuted, scourged, and finally beheaded.
In Tuscany, the birthday of the holy martyrs Secundian, Marcellian, and Verian. In the time of Decius, they were scourged by the ex-consul Promotus, then racked and torn with iron hooks. Being burned with fire applied to their sides, they merited the triumphant palm of martyrdom by having their heads struck off.
At Verona, the holy martyrs Firmus and Rusticus, in the time of the emperor Maximian.
In Africa, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, during the persecution of Valerian. Being exhorted by St. Numidicus, they obtained the palm of martyrdom by being cast into the fire, but Numidicus, although thrown into the flames with the others and overwhelmed with stones, was nevertheless taken out by his daughter. Found half dead, he was restored and deserved afterwards by his virtue to be made priest of the church of Carthage by blessed Cyprian.
At Constantinople, the holy martyrs Julian, Marcian, and eight others. For having set up the image of our Saviour on the brazen gate, they were exposed to many torments, and then beheaded by order of the impious emperor Leo.
At Chalons, in France, St. Domitian, bishop and confessor.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.