«The priestly life is not for him», declared the professors of Giovanni Maria Vianney, whose assessment highlighted the future Holy Curé's limited intellectual abilities. Yet, as Saint John Paul II said, «in him we see the power of grace working through the poverty of human means». Discover more.
A journey entirely uphill
When Giovanni Maria presents himself at the parish priest Balley's school in Ecully, he is over 20 years old and can barely read and write. By listening to him, Balley has the opportunity to appreciate the clarity of his soul and his peasant perseverance, and decides to admit him to his school. The Saint has difficulty with his studies, particularly with Latin, which simply will not stick in his mind. However, he does very well at learning the truths of the faith and practicing Christian virtues. It will be Abbot Balley himself who presents him to the minor seminary in Verrières.
The 1812 report card reads: Work: good; knowledge: very weak; conduct: good; character: good. Despite these evaluations, he manages to enter the Major Seminary of Saint Irenaeus in Lyon, but the difficulties the young man encounters in his studies soon begin to emerge. Although the professors have the opportunity to recognize his moral qualities, they do not feel able to keep him as a student and reach the following decision: «The young man should probably return home and use his time more sensibly. The priestly life is not for him. By staying here, he would waste both his time and ours». Giovanni Maria Vianney is therefore expelled from the Seminary.
A great dream he does not want to give up
Balley takes him back to continue teaching him theology in French, but Vianney is unable to pass the seminary examinations because he cannot even understand the questions his professors ask him in Latin. Another humiliation, then, but Jean-Marie continues to believe in his dream of becoming a priest.
Balley asks that Vianney be examined by a professor chosen by the bishop and obtains permission for this to take place in his presence. This time, Jean-Marie passes the examination, and finally, at the age of 29, he is ordained a priest. Thousands of people will pass through his confessional. He will become the patron saint of parish priests.
Vianney considered the gift of the priesthood to be a very great one and said: “Oh! How great the priesthood is! It will only be fully understood in Heaven… if it were understood on earth, one would die, not of fear but of love!” As a child, he had confided to his mother: “If I were a priest, I would want to win many souls.” Let us entrust to his intercession all the priests we know, so that, like him, relying on Grace, they may overcome the obstacles they encounter on their path.
And did you know about this aspect of the life of the Holy Curé of Ars? Have you also faced difficulties that you later overcame thanks to your firm faith in God? Tell us about it in the comments.
