“St. John Vianney, the parish priest of Ars is a model of priestly zeal for all pastors. The secret of his generosity is undoubtedly hidden in his love for God, lived without measure, in a constant response to the love revealed in Christ crucified. Hence his desire to do everything to save souls redeemed by Christ for such a great price and to restore them to God’s love. Let us recall one of his lapidary sayings, revealing his secret: “The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.” He always referred in his sermons and teachings to this love: “O my God, I would prefer to die loving You than to live without loving for a moment … I love You, my Divine Savior, because You were crucified for me … because You allow me to be crucified for You. “
Saint John Paul II, Letter to priests for Holy Thursday, 1986
