Transfiguration of Our Lord

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke describe the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John atop Mount Tabor and before their eyes He transfigured. His face and garments became a spectacular dazzling white, which emanated from the interior shining of His divinity. Moses and Elijah appeared also, signifying that Jesus is the fulfillment of both the law and the prophets, and they were speaking with Him. Then a bright cloud overshadowed all of them and God spoke saying: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

The three disciples fell to the ground overcome by fear, and Jesus touched them and said “Do not be afraid.”, and when they looked up they saw only Jesus with them. The transfiguration took place late in Jesus’ public ministry as He prepared to head toward Jerusalem where He would be crucified. This spectacular event should have prepared these three close disciples of Jesus for what was to come.

The Transfiguration of Our Lord gives us hope for our own future glory, and is celebrated on August 6th.

Saint John Vianney - The Cure d’Ars

St. John Mary Vianney was born into a peasant family in 1786 in Lyon, France, spending his childhood during the French Revolution, and, as such, making his first communion in secret. He desired to be a priest but was not a natural student, and while a particularly terrible student of Latin, he was still able to be ordained, partially due to his pure goodness.

He became the priest of a small parish in Ars-en-Dombe and converted a broken hearted village of private and public evil doers to one with a parish completely devoted to religion. The Cure d’Ars was known for his severe mortifications, being frequently attacked by the devil, his extreme humility and childlike simplicity. A keen insight into people’s problems brought thousands of pilgrims per week to his confessional, forcing the local train station to open a special ticket office to accommodate all the visitors.

St. John Vianney is the Patron Saint of Parish Priests and his Feast Day is August 8th.