Weekly Gospel Reflection

 This Friday, we celebrate the feast day of our school's patron saint, St. John Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars (pastor of Ars). He was born in 1786 in Dardilly, France, and grew up during the aftermath of the French revolution. After serving in the Army during the Napoleonic wars, he pursued his calling to become a priest by joining the seminary.

However, St. John Vianney faced challenges in his studies, particularly with learning Latin, which was a requirement for priesthood. Many, including the bishop at the time, doubted his suitability for the priesthood. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and was eventually ordained in 1815. The bishop, underestimating his abilities, assigned him to the remote village of Ars, considered the backwater of his diocese.

Father John Vianney's preaching style was simple, connecting deeply with his parishioners. He had a special passion for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spending long hours in the confessional, often with minimal sleep and a diet of boiled potatoes. Soon, his reputation grew, and thousands, including bishops and leaders, sought his counsel, making pilgrimages to Ars. His message of love, dedication, and forgiveness resonated not only within his town but also throughout France and beyond. Pope Pius XI canonized John Vianney in 1925, making him the only diocesan priest ever to be canonized.

For us today, St. John Vianney serves as an example of how God works through those who dedicate their lives to Him and seek to do His will. As our school's patron saint, his life inspires us in Mulgrave to be dedicated to God's work and shows us that through simple actions, we can make a positive impact on the world. Furthermore, as someone who struggled with learning himself, he empathises with the needs of our students.

We are challenged to emulate his life by reaching out to our local parish priests, volunteering to help students at SJV, attending the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or making donations to lesser-known charities. Let us walk together, guided by our school motto, in faith and knowledge of Christ.

By Jonathan Rooney with excerpts from https://sjvroundrock.org/

School Prayer

Loving God, you sent your son Jesus to be with us.

As the family at St John Vianney's school, we ask for your continued blessing on us all. 

Be with us as we endeavour to do our best in all our learning. 

Guide us in all our play. 

Help us to be kind and considerate to others. 

When things get tough or go wrong, help us to remember that you are with us.

Send us your spirit to be active in our lives. 

Teach us to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive and to love. 

May we strive to be your face, hands and heart.

St John Vianney, pray for us. 

Amen