ON VIANNEY SUNDAY - STRAY THOUGHTS...

(I have found this little poem so true and have cited it many times...if it brings a chuckle to your lips enjoy it...and spare a thought the next time you want to 'bad mouth' your priests...Happy Vianney Sunday to all - priests and flock!!!)

A PRIEST IS ALWAYS WRONG BECAUSE...

If he begins his mass on time, his watch is advanced;
If he begins a minute later, he keeps people waiting
If he preaches too long, he makes people get bored;
If his homily is too short, he is unprepared.
If he owns a car, he is luxurious;
If he does not own one, he does not go with the times.
If he goes out to visit families, he is always out:
If he does not, he has no time for them.
If he asks for donations, he is a moneymaker;
If he does not do it, he is too proud and lazy.
If he takes time in the confessional, he is too slow;
If he makes it too fast, he has no time for his penitents.
If he renovates the church, he throws away money;
If he does not do it, he allows everything to rot away.
If he is with the youth, he forgets the old.
If he is seen with women, he is a playboy;
If he goes with men, he is not normal;
If he is young, he has no experience;
If he is old, he should retire.
As long as he lives, there are always people who are better than him;

BUT IF THE PRIEST DIES....THERE IS NOBODY TO TAKE HIS PLACE!

REMEMBERING THE CURE OF ARS

Tomorrow is the Feast of St. John Mary Vianney - popularly called the Cure of Ars. It brought to mind my visit to Ars - a beautiful town in southern France. Here is a picture of the confessional in which he spent many hours reconciling his flock to God and to one another.

And here is a picture of his relics lying in the Church. There is the odour of sanctity in the entire area. He who was not "seminary topper" gave to many an example of dedicated ministry to the 'lost sheep' in his own inimitable way.

Please whisper a prayer for all those in pastoral ministry and for yours truly.