St. John Baptist Mary Vianney was born at Dardilly, Lyons, France in 1786.

On a visit to his aunt at Ecully, John listened to her praise of Father Balley, the parish priest, and later sought the Father's advice regarding a vocation to the priesthood.

The pastor looked over the awkward youth with faltering speech who lacked any general education. Unable to answer questions pertaining to earthly science when the priest queried him, John's face became luminous with lively interest when the subject became catechism. He answered correctly on this subject and in a manner beyond his years.

The amazed pastor took this as a sign from heaven, prophesying, "You will become a priest!"

Despite John's meagre education, he was ordained on August 12, 1815. After his ordination mass, John prayed to Our Lady, Queen of the Clergy: "Here is your priest, O Blessed Mother! Stay close to me. Help me to be a good priest!"

The ensuing years brought many trials. John was conscripted; his mother died; he failed often in his studies. But his success in directing souls made him known throughout the Christian world. Men of all ranks and conditions of life sought his guidance and advice.

John died on August 4 1859 at Ars, France and was beatified by Pope St. Pius X, himself once a parish priest, and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925.