“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
O revered Curé of Ars, yours was a life of humbleness. You wore an old cassock, you ate meager meals. You counseled your pilgrims to remain humble, to remain simple, and the more one is so the more good he will do. You taught that before the throne of God we are one of His creatures made to glorify God and praise Him in all things. Your simplicity of soul and your uncluttered way of life have given us a role model to lead us to sanctity.
O Saint John Vianney, at those times that I forget that I am totally dependant on God for everything, plead my case to allow me to see that without my Creator nothing is possible and that I must rely on Him for everything. Obtain for me the gift of a humble heart. Let me be the servant of God’s people wherever I find them.
Recite the novena prayer:
O holy Curé of Ars, St. John Vianney, you loved God and faithfully served Him by serving His people as their priest. Now, as you are with our Father, you can continue to serve Him by presenting our petitions to Him directly. Remember the vulnerabilities, fears, and anxieties that surround us and intercede for us in all our needs, especially….(here mention your own personal request). O Priest of Ars, pray for us in a special way during this novena, we ask in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen