St. John Vianney’s Battle with the Devil – Aug 04 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr. Joseph Michael McShane gives the homily on how St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of priests, exemplifies the profound impact of a holy and dedicated priesthood, urging us to pray for vocations and to emulate his fervent devotion to God, the sacraments, and the salvation of souls, despite facing immense spiritual battles.

The homily emphasizes praying for vocations, highlighting St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint of priests. Despite poor health and seminary struggles, his deep devotion to Our Lady led to his ordination. Sent to Ars, a village "under the dominion of Satan," he transformed it in nine years through intense penance, prayer, and sacrifice. He strongly condemned working on Sunday ("stealing from God"), bad language, and public dances ("dominion of Satan"). St. John Vianney spent over 16 hours daily in confession, drawing thousands to Ars, even necessitating a train station. He endured relentless demonic attacks—noises, physical assaults, his bed set on fire—but remained undeterred, always seeking recourse in Jesus, Mary, and his guardian angel. He established an orphanage and had the gift of prophecy, foretelling a man's death after confession and a young man's call to priesthood. The devil himself stated that three more priests like Vianney would destroy his earthly kingdom. St. John Vianney died in 1859, his body incorrupt. We are urged to pray to him for holy priests and for our own sanctification, preparing for heaven through the Church and sacraments.

Exodus 20:8 – Remember the sabbath day, keep it holy – https://airmaria.com/go/X2e9y8
CCC 2180 – Obligation to participate in Sunday Mass – https://airmaria.com/go/8fpAtU
CCC 1461 – Confession of sins to a priest – https://airmaria.com/go/PxVrKZ
CCC 1536 – Holy Orders: Christ's call to ministry – https://airmaria.com/go/MafvLe

00:00 - The Importance of Praying for Vocations
00:39 - St. John Vianney: Patron Saint of Priests
01:27 - The Conversion of the Village of Ars
02:22 - St. John Vianney's Reforms: Sunday, Language, and Dances
04:08 - Ministry of Confession and Demonic Attacks
05:30 - Orphanage, St. Philomena, and the Gift of Prophecy
06:46 - St. John Vianney's Wisdom and Prophecies
08:12 - St. John Vianney's Legacy and Concluding Prayer

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Jean Vianney (Mat 9) - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=3946
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/080426.cfm
1st: Ezekiel 3:17-21 - Ezekiel as Watchman
Resp: Psalms 117:1, 2 - A Hymn of Praise
Gsp: Matthew 9:35-10:1 - Apostles' Commissioning for Compassion

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1123

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5mMMAaqg-U