Saint John Mary Vianney is also known as the Curé d’Ars (Curé is another word for chaplain).
Vianney lived in France during very troubled times, especially during his childhood. It was the time of the French Revolution, during which people could not practice their religion in public.
When he was still a boy, Mass and the Eucharist were celebrated in secret. Vianney stayed strong in his beliefs and although he was not a very intelligent person, God chose him to become a priest.
He became known for his exemplary life of simplicity and sincerity, based on his love for Jesus, and for his sweet and convincing words that redirected many people toward God. This happened in Ars, a small village in France where Vianney was a chaplain. Vianney was declared the patron saint of priests and chaplains.
Saint John Mary Vianney was born in a small family of farmers and he used to take care of sheep. It was very difficult for Vianney to become a priest, but he never gave up. When he became a priest, he was made the chaplain of Ars, where people had apathy towards God. With his determination and with God’s help, Vianney managed to direct plenty of people towards God, especially through to the Sacrament of Confession.