Monday, 03 August 2020 22:25

Jules Chevalier and his visit to the Cure of Ars,

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Jules Chevalier and his visit to the Cure of Ars.

cure of ars 1

Today is the feast of St John Vianney, the Cure of Ars. We know that the Cure died not long after Jules Chevalier’s visit in 1859.

Here is the version from biographer, Henri Vermin MSC.

Jules Chevalier Icon

By the way, below is a site address worth knowing – from the National Shrine, OLSH, Australia. And listed is the historical content – worth bookmarking if you are interested in research.

The first pilgrimage was made possible through the generosity of one of the Canons of the Bourges Cathedral, the Abbe Guay d'Aubilly. "This priest,” wrote Father Chevalier “was a dear friend of mine, and had always shown great interest in our work." Father Piperon refers to him as "a saintly priest who spent all his money on charitable works, and for a long time had been the Director of the Sodality of the Holy Childhood in the diocese." In 1859 he proposed to Father Chevalier that they both go together to the Shrine of Our Lady of Puy, then on to La Louvesc, La Salette, to la Grande Chartreuse and finally to Ars. "I accepted all the more willingly," wrote the Father Founder "since he offered to pay all the expenses."

I arrived in Ars on the morning of July 14th. My main concern was to know if it would be possible to obtain an interview with the Cure. The first news I received was not encouraging as some of the townspeople told me he was ill, and had not even been visiting the church for some days past. I decided to call at the mission-house where he lived and make further enquiries. I chose the wrong hour to call, as it was half-past twelve and the Fathers were still at lunch. I rang the door bell, and waited. There was no response. I had the temerity to ring it a second time and that more loudly. I could hear footsteps coming quickly down the passage-way, and the door was flung open abruptly. A priest asked me what I wanted in a rather angry tone of voice. I enquired if it would be possible to see the Cure.

cure of ars sarcophagus

"No," he replied irritably, "All we get here are importunate priests asking the same thing. The Cure is not receiving visitors."

He then closed the door.

I was bitterly disappointed and began to make my way to the church with my head bowed and tears coming to my eyes. Hardly had I gone a few yards when I heard a voice calling after me. "Father, Father - just a minute'." I turned, to see the same priest who had just closed the door on me. Father Toccanier was his name.

"Father” he said, "I must apologise for my bad manners; we are so much disturbed every minute of the day that I could not control my annoyance. Come in, and I will try to get the Cure for you within the next quarter of an hour. He is slightly improved this morning."

"I had waited a short time when the door opened and the holy Cure came in, a surplice across his arm. His face was pale, his figure gaunt; his eyes were sunken in their sockets yet keen and full of life; his head was bowed and his body stooped from his many penances and macerations. I thought I was seeing a vision from another world. He bade me sit down, and asked me where I was from and what I had come to ask him. After introducing myself, I told him all about our small Congregation and my hopes for it. He listened intently as I told him it was completely dedicated to the Sacred Heart and to Our Blessed Lady. He gave me great encouragement telling me to have confidence.

He told me my trials, which I would feel keenly, had only just begun. The powers of Hell he said, would do everything to try and destroy the work, as its object was the salvation of souls and the Glory of God. He warned me that the agents of Hell would raise such fury against the work that at times I would think it must fail. However, the Heart of Jesus and the Mother of God would intervene to the confusion of its enemies. Strengthened by his, words I asked him if hE would make a Novena for the Congregation. He willingly agreed, and told me he would commence it on July 16th.

Commending myself to his prayers I took my leave, and immediately returned to Issoudun. A short time after my return, we learnt of the death of the saintly Cure. He is surely our protector in Heaven."

cor jesu jules