St. John Vianney, the famous Curé of Ars, France, was one of the most sought after priest of his day. His holy advice, mystical gifts, and loving kindness drew crowds to his confessional. The lines of penitents waiting their turn were very long indeed. The saintly priest spent many hours, practically all day every day hearing people’s confessions.

One day, a great lady came to Ars, wanting the saint to hear her confession. She did not have the patience to wait her turn in such a long line. People of all kinds came to Ars, many of them beneath her rank. As such, she hoped to obtain privileges denied to other ‘normal’ penitents.

"I never wait anywhere, not even at the Vatican!" She declared haughtily, expecting to be received before her turn.

"Oh!" replied the saint sarcastically, "You will, nevertheless, have to wait at the confessional of the poor Curé d’Ars."

The holy priest was even more keenly aware than she of the countless people coming to him for help. Many of them had already waited a long time, and he was not going to prolong their wait any more than necessary.

St. John Vianney’s charity was truly universal. He was the one of the most famous men of his time, yet he treated all as a devoted servant. His great love for God filled him with a genuine charity towards all God’s children who came to him for assistance.

One day, a young man of noble birth went to the saint for Confession. Afterwards, he met Br. Athanase, the schoolmaster.

The young man began asking the monk various questions. Who were Fr. Vianney’s parents? Where did he study? In what social circles had he moved? What was his work before he came to Ars?

Br. Athanase replied that the Curé was born a peasant and that he had studied very little. He continued to answer and the young man was astonished at what he learned of John Vianney’s simple background.

Eventually, the poor monk asked,

"Why have you asked me so many questions?"

In all sincerity, the young noble replied,

"Because I was struck by the exquisite courtesy with which Fr. Vianney received me. When I entered the sacristy, he greeted me most graciously. He did not sit down until I was on my knees, ready to begin. When my Confession was over, he was the first to rise. He opened the door for me, and, after bidding me good-bye, ushered in the next penitent with equal courtesy."

Br. Athanase assured him that the good priest treated everyone like that.

The young man was no longer surprised. He had expected someone who behaved so graciously to have learned his manners in high society. Now, however, he saw what it was that made John Vianney act the way he did.

"I understand", the young man said, "He is a saint. He possesses charity, which is the source of true refinement."