St. John Vianney - The Curé of Ars

The Cure D'Ars

St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney
Book cover: 'The Cure D'Ars: St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney'
Author(s): 
Abbe Francis Trochu
Number of pages: 
586 pages
Copyright: 
1927
Publisher: 
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Saints
Setting: 
19th century
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Review: 
This is a fascinating and surprisingly readable (but lengthy) biography of St. John Vianney - the definitive one, carefully researched from the documents produced for the canonization process. It is most suitable for adults, but will be appropriate for teens who enjoy reading - it is particularly beneficial for young men considering the priesthood. Some of the particular stories about St. John Vianney and those whose lives he touched are absolutely amazing.

This book also bears a special recommendation from Pope John Paul II and had a substantial influence on his life. He had this to say about St. John Vianney and this particular book in his own book Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination...

"With great emotion I visited the little old church where Saint John Vianney heard confessions, taught catechism, and gave his homilies. It was an unforgettable experience for me. From my seminary years I had been impressed by the figure of the Cure d'Ars, especially after reading his biography by Monsignor Trochu. Saint John Marie Vianney astonishes us because in him we can see the power of grace working through human limitations. It was his heroic service in the confessional which particularly struck me. That humble priest, who would hear confessions more than ten hours a day, eating little and sleeping only a few hours, was able, at a difficult moment in history, to inspire a kind of spiritual revolution in France..." (pp. 57, Gift and Mystery by Pope John Paul II)

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-7-01

The Cure of Ars

The Story of Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests
Book cover: 'The Cure of Ars: The Story of Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests'
Author(s): 
Mary Fabyan Windeatt
Number of pages: 
210 pages
Copyright: 
1947
Publisher: 
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Saints
Setting: 
19th century
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
Elementary
Review: 
Although this is a bit longer than some of the other Saint stories by the same author, my children have been enjoying this story very much as a read-aloud. The story is told in the first person - from the point of view of St. John Vianney himself. (My children have particularly enjoyed this perspective and found it a nice change from the ordinary.) The author also weaves a great deal of thoughtful commentary upon the importance and mystery of priesthood into the story as well as important concepts about the love of God and the need for prayer and penance. It is just the sort of book that could inspire a young boy to consider a priestly vocation in his future.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-7-01

The Cure of Ars

The Priest Who Outtalked the Devil
Book cover: 'The Cure of Ars: The Priest Who Outtalked the Devil'
Author(s): 
Milton Lomask
Number of pages: 
190 pages
Copyright: 
1958
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Saints
Setting: 
19th century
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
Elementary
Review: 
This is a quicker and slightly easier read than the title by Mary Fabyan Windeatt. It lacks the richness of explanations about the priesthood, but I thought that it portrayed St. John Vianney's humility and simplicity a little more clearly. It's also clearly written to be interesting even to those who are not accustomed to reading saint stories, so there is more emphasis on exciting events, such as when John Vianney, as a young boy, helped to hide a hunted priest from the authorities.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-7-01