Vianney Day Celebration at the Cathedral: A Grace-filled Day Honouring the Sacred Priesthood

Bangalore, August 4, 2025 — The Archdiocese of Bangalore joyfully celebrated Vianney Day on Monday, August 4, 2025, honouring the patron of all priests, St. John Marie Vianney, at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, drawing together hundreds of priests from across the Archdiocese for a day of reflection, thanksgiving, and fraternal communion.

The day began with a spiritually enriching session themed “Go to Ars and Imitate St. John Vianney in Our Priestly Life,” calling all priests to rediscover the pastoral heart of the Cure of Ars. The reflection inspired priests to deepen their commitment to personal holiness, pastoral charity, and sacrificial service in the spirit of St. Vianney.

The highlight of the day was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore. In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the threefold mission entrusted to priests: the authority bestowed by God, the compassion shown to the people, and the vigilant role as spiritual watchmen, echoing the pastoral zeal of St. John Vianney. “A priest is not just a functionary; he is a shepherd who watches over souls, guards them from harm, and draws them closer to God,” the Archbishop emphasized.

Bishop Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, shared an inspiring message on the priest’s mission to lead the faithful on the right path and never allow any soul to stray from the love of Christ. “Our call is to bring every soul to the heart of Jesus,” he said, urging priests to become instruments of reconciliation and guidance.

Bishop Susainathan also addressed the gathering, encouraging priests to remain tireless in their efforts to win souls for Christ, quoting the words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux: “I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth.” He reminded priests that every soul entrusted to them is a treasure meant for the Kingdom.

The celebration witnessed a profound spirit of unity, as the faithful gathered to pray for their priests, thanking God for their ministry and sacrifice. The cathedral echoed with prayers, hymns, and heartfelt gratitude, as the Church celebrated the sacred gift of the priesthood.

The Vianney Day celebration concluded with a moment of fraternal fellowship, renewing the bond of unity among the clergy and rekindling the flame of priestly zeal as they continue their mission in the spirit of their holy patron, St. John Vianney. Towards the end of the celebration, Rev. Fr. Christopher White, the Parish Priest of the Cathedral, extended heartfelt thanks to all gathered and felicitated the Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishops, expressing gratitude for their pastoral leadership and presence.

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