Knights of Columbus Council 5322

Here again, like with Mother Mary's Apparitions and Miracles of the Eucharist, we have clusters of Heavenly happenings. Could it be, the Lord goes where there is much need? You could definitely say that of Ars and of France, at the time of John Vianney. Ars was a village of sin and apathy. The Cure would spend forty-one years of dry martyrdom, as Pastor of Ars, the only parish he would ever serve.

John Mary Vianney was born in France, the France of Heritage, eldest daughter of the Church. This France, in his lifetime, would be ripped apart and aborted by revolution. That malignancy of the spirit was not only to eat away at all the magnificent old traditions of France, but would spread right into the heart of the Church. As anger cannot be contained, those spoiling and destroying did not stop at the aristocracy, but forgetting why they had begun in the first place, turned on Church, guillotining priests and Nuns. We share this because, as in the time of St. John Mary Vianney, if faith, like a garden, is not cared for and nourished, it will die. And die France did, and the Church along with her. Only in places like French Canada and our beloved Louisiana can you see evidence of the glorious Heritage of the France of Yesterday. There, the old traditions and pride in France and the Church flourish, side by side.

"Hark the herald Angels sing! Glory to the new born King!" This Christmas, when you exchange gifts, remember Jesus, remember St. John Vianney, remember your Parish Priests. When Jesus was born, he gave us the greatest birthday gift on His Birthday which we call Christmas (or the Mass of Christ), he gave us life. As you join in the joyful celebration of the Holy Mass of Christmas with your intimate family and your larger family the Church, remember that the Babe, Who was born to the Virgin Mary 2000 years ago in a stable, will be born, through the holy hands of your priest, on the Altar. For the Holy Eucharist that you will receive is the same Jesus Christ that was born in Bethlehem and died on Calvary.

But, if you are not careful, you will allow the glitter of tinsel on your trees blind you, and the many gifts from your family and friends block out the greatest Gift of all, your Savior without you and within you. Don't let Him fit into the day's festivities. Let Him be the center of this day. Let your day revolve around Him! And if you do, maybe He will become more and more the center of your life. If you think you are happy, this day with the many loving material gifts from your loved ones, if you accept the one Jesus wishes to give you, that is the gift of eternal life, you will be changed, and you will never be the same.

St. John tells us: "The Word was made Flesh

and made His dwelling among us,

and we have seen His Glory:

the Glory of an only Son

coming from the Father,

filled with enduring love." (John 1:14)

May His Peace reign in your hearts this Christmas season. Jesus is the Hope of the world!

Would you like to do something for Jesus? Send Pope John Paul II and Mother Angelica a special Christmas greeting pledging to pray the Rosary for their intentions. See what Jesus will do for you. We love you. Pray for us as we pray for you.

[If you would like to know more about St. John Vianney's life and message to us today, read Bob and Penny's chapter on the Cure of Ars in their book: Saints and other Powerful Men in the Church.

For more information about Saint John Vianney click here

Who is Saint John Mary Vianney?
	St. John Mary Vianney was a humble priest, hidden away in a small remote village, too small to appear on most maps of France. This priest, like the mustard seed, could not be hidden in obscurity; the gifts of the Holy Spirit he received were to bring thousands and thousands to him. It is no wonder he comes from that section where over a century later, the Charismatic Renewal of France began. The Holy Spirit goes where He wills, when He wills. It is also no coincidence, he was born close to where our Lord showed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Jesus told Margaret Mary, He was more deeply hurt by the Crown of Thorns pressed on His Heart by His friends, than by the One His enemies mockingly placed on His Head. How many times, Cure did your heart get pierced from a crown of thorns thrust there by friends? Did it wound you, like it did Jesus?
Here again, like with Mother Mary's Apparitions and Miracles of the Eucharist, we have clusters of Heavenly happenings. Could it be, the Lord goes where there is much need? You could definitely say that of Ars and of France, at the time of John Vianney. Ars was a village of sin and apathy. The Cure would spend forty-one years of dry martyrdom, as Pastor of Ars, the only parish he would ever serve. John Mary Vianney was born in France, the France of Heritage, eldest daughter of the Church. This France, in his lifetime, would be ripped apart and aborted by revolution. That malignancy of the spirit was not only to eat away at all the magnificent old traditions of France, but would spread right into the heart of the Church. As anger cannot be contained, those spoiling and destroying did not stop at the aristocracy, but forgetting why they had begun in the first place, turned on Church, guillotining priests and Nuns. We share this because, as in the time of St. John Mary Vianney, if faith, like a garden, is not cared for and nourished, it will die. And die France did, and the Church along with her. Only in places like French Canada and our beloved Louisiana can you see evidence of the glorious Heritage of the France of Yesterday. There, the old traditions and pride in France and the Church flourish, side by side. "Hark the herald Angels sing! Glory to the new born King!" This Christmas, when you exchange gifts, remember Jesus, remember St. John Vianney, remember your Parish Priests. When Jesus was born, he gave us the greatest birthday gift on His Birthday which we call Christmas (or the Mass of Christ), he gave us life. As you join in the joyful celebration of the Holy Mass of Christmas with your intimate family and your larger family the Church, remember that the Babe, Who was born to the Virgin Mary 2000 years ago in a stable, will be born, through the holy hands of your priest, on the Altar. For the Holy Eucharist that you will receive is the same Jesus Christ that was born in Bethlehem and died on Calvary. But, if you are not careful, you will allow the glitter of tinsel on your trees blind you, and the many gifts from your family and friends block out the greatest Gift of all, your Savior without you and within you. Don't let Him fit into the day's festivities. Let Him be the center of this day. Let your day revolve around Him! And if you do, maybe He will become more and more the center of your life. If you think you are happy, this day with the many loving material gifts from your loved ones, if you accept the one Jesus wishes to give you, that is the gift of eternal life, you will be changed, and you will never be the same. St. John tells us: "The Word was made Flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His Glory: the Glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love." (John 1:14) May His Peace reign in your hearts this Christmas season. Jesus is the Hope of the world! Would you like to do something for Jesus? Send Pope John Paul II and Mother Angelica a special Christmas greeting pledging to pray the Rosary for their intentions. See what Jesus will do for you. We love you. Pray for us as we pray for you. [If you would like to know more about St. John Vianney's life and message to us today, read Bob and Penny's chapter on the Cure of Ars in their book: Saints and other Powerful Men in the Church. For more information about Saint John Vianney click here