Prayer to Saint John Vianney

Saint John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, praying with folded hands before a crucifix inside his parish church.

On August 4, we honor Saint John Vianney, the humble parish priest known as the Curé of Ars. Despite years of struggle in his studies, he became one of the most beloved confessors in the history of the Church, spending up to sixteen hours a day hearing confessions. This prayer, written in his own words, invites us to share in the simple, burning love for God that defined his entire life.

Who Is Saint John Vianney?

Born in 1786 near Lyon, France, John Vianney grew up during the religious persecution of the French Revolution, receiving his first Communion in secret. He struggled greatly with his studies, especially Latin, and failed his seminary exams more than once — yet his devotion and prayer life were never in doubt, and he was ordained a priest in 1815.

Sent to the small, spiritually neglected village of Ars in 1818, he transformed it through decades of preaching, penance, and endless hours in the confessional. Pilgrims eventually traveled from across France—and even beyond—to seek his counsel and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He died in 1859 and was canonized in 1925, when Pope Pius XI declared him the patron saint of parish priests.

He is the patron saint of priests, confessors, and parish clergy.

Today, the Curé of Ars remains one of the Church’s most beloved models of parish ministry, inspiring priests and lay faithful alike through his humility, zeal, and unwavering devotion to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

When Should You Pray This Prayer?

On his feast day, August 4
Before or after Confession, to renew your love for God
When praying for priests and vocations to the priesthood
In moments of spiritual dryness, when love feels distant
Whenever you simply want to express your love for God

Powerful Prayer to Saint John Vianney

With the words of Saint John Vianney himself, let us ask for the grace to love God above all things and to remain faithful to Him throughout our lives.

I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life.

I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You.

I love You, Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally.

My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.

Saint John Vianney, pray for me. Amen.

How to Use This Prayer

This prayer, written by Saint John Vianney himself and quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, can be prayed slowly, allowing each line time to settle in the heart. Many pray it after Confession, or in a quiet moment of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, in the same spirit of simple, burning love that marked his own prayer life.

You may conclude by praying one Hail Mary for priests and for an increase in holy vocations, entrusting them to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.