St. John Vianney

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI declared a year of the priest in an effort to encourage "spiritual perfection" in priests.

The pope will open the special year with a vespers service at the Vatican June 19 -- the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the day for the sanctification of priests. He will close the celebrations during a World Meeting of Priests in St. Peter's Square June 19, 2010.

The pope made the announcement during an audience March 16 with members of the Vatican Congregation for Clergy.

He met with some 70 participants of the congregation's March 16-18 plenary assembly, which focused on the missionary identity of the priest and his mission to sanctify, teach and govern. Read full article from Catholic News Service

The Cure of Ars - St. John Vianney
Online Reading
Click for brief summary of his life
Click for thorough survey of his life

Biographies
The Cure D'Ars Today: St John Vianney by Fr. George William Rutler (a New York Priest)
The Cure D'Ars : St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney by F. Trochu