Friday, 4th August, 2023.
St. John Mary Vianney whom we celebrate today was academically impede and underrated for the ministry of Christ. History has it that he was nearly not ordained into the Priesthood because of his poor acumen. John Vianney eventually became the greatest Confessor in the history of the Church; he spent 11 to 12 hours daily at the confessional. And over 20,000 penitents visited him annually for the sacrament of reconciliation and counselling.
It is commonly said and truly, that the time of St. John Vianney has passed. There seems to be an overhauling emphasis on academic formation to the detriment of human and spiritual formation. Academic glory has unfortunately become a green card and in most cases, the prime condition for assessment in formation houses.
Experience has shown that candidates who were ordained priests on the platter of academic gratification are often pastorally deficient. Evidently, first class in the head does not guarantee behavioural formation.
FIRST CLASS IN THE HEAD WITHOUT FIRST CLASS AT HEART AND CHARACTER IS A DISASTER IN THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST. The church speaks of holistic formation, and this should be loudly emphasized without compromise.
It is true that the missionary terrene of our time has drastically changed. It is quite challenging, hostile and sophisticated than ever before. Ministers of God are therefore urged to be all things to all men, in order to be authentic witnesses of the gospel. Comparatively, it could be said that St Paul’s ministry was far-reaching and enduring because of his academic background, unlike St. Peter’s who is basically revered for his dogged faith and governance. A saying holds true, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
The feast of St John Vianney reminds us of our pastoral obligations. Pastors of soul should be available and accessible to the flocks entrusted to them. Have quality time for the people of God. In the language of Pope Francis: shepherds should smell like their sheep.
The people of God should, in turn, appreciate the sacrament of reconciliation and willingly embrace God’s merciful pardon in the sacrament of reconciliation.
*Don’t be too intelligent to be accessible.
*Domestication of knowledge.
May the Lord help us to fly on two wings.
May He continue to give the Church, shepherds after his own heart. And may St. John Vianney, the patron of all Parish Priests pray for us.
(Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, Fri., 4th August, 2023)
– Fr. Ken