Le sorcier du ciel (1949)

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HOLY FAMILY STUDIOS

Classic Catholic Cinema

60th anniversary

LE SORCIER DU CIEL

HOLY FAMILY STUDIOS

LE SORCIER DU CIEL
the life of St. John Vianney

A MARCEL BLISTÈNE FILM

Whenever France falters...

a watchful Providence...

sets in the angry sky,

A star to guide her,

After the Revolution
and Naopolean's wars...

France was exhausted.

Everywhere were excesses...

Nowhere a saviour,

But, one evening, in 1818...

on a little country road...

a humble village priest...

traveled to his parish...

bringing the eternal Message.

Humble and lowly...

rich only in his faith...

so poor in his studies,
he was barely ordained. . .

sent to the most wretched
of villages...

A simple soul... a peasant...

Nothing about him remarkable...

Nothing...

Except this strange ripple...

That shadow lying in wait... there.

Are you making that noise,
Mme Bibost ?

There's no noise.

I felt we were being followed...

A neighbour of mine used
to hear rats -

- but he was never sober...

It's called a ``delirium``...

Which way to Ars ?

Straight ahead, M. le Cure...

...You show me the way to Ars -

- I will show you the way
to Heaven.

You'd better be off.

They are all mine - here.

Did you hear that ?

What ?

A voice...

First noises, then voices...

Do you often hear voices...

Never. . .

It's your fasting -
ruining your health.

And Ars won't keep you in food.

I need so little.

We're not far off - now.
Well - come on...

What's wrong?

Turn back...

No.

A waste of time - here...

One day, this parish will become
too small to house all its visitors.

Because of you?

Pride is a sin, you know...
A good start!

Nothing is holding it back...

- Nothing more - now.

Let's toast the newly-weds!

Look! A priest!

We'll give you a hand!

Don't bother - I'm nearly there...

Who asked him to come?

Don't speak to priests !
It brings bad luck !

Curse! I'll drive him away,
you wait...

Please don't stop the festivity
for me, my friends...

We have plenty of time
to meet...

I'm the new Cure...

What? We don't need a Cure!

No holy water for us -

- take my advice :
return where you came...

I warned you! They're heretics!

... They're not as bad
as you think.

Well said !

Come... drink with us...

A waste of good wine !

I'm an expert, you know...

There are vineyards
in my village.

Your health...

A local wine?

I've tasted better!

Once I'm installed,
if you allow me -

I'll be glad to give you
a few tips...

I once worked on a farm...

Like you, I'm a man of the soil.

He's right !
This wine's abominable !

What ? Say that again!

You don't mind drinking it,
anyhow !

He pulled your leg because
you didn't marry in church!

Nothing of the sort!

If they didn't that's their affair.

They'll regret it!

Did you hear that?
He put a curse on us!

Let the crow caw!
I'll shut his trap!

Welcome, M. the Cure.

Forgive us bothering you...

A pleasure, on the contrary...

It broke my heart to see
the vicarage empty...

Your arrival's unexpected...

Had I know,
I'd have tidied the place!

You shan't drink bad wine
at my wedding...

What do you think of this?

If you're not all dead drunk,
my name's not Malray!

Your first impressions
can hardly be good...

The bedroom's above...

It's far too good for me...

Whose is the furniture ?

The Lady of the Manor gave it
to your predecessor.

We'll return it...
I don't need a palace...

What's behind that door ?

The stables.

We'll store what does not
belong to us in there.

He looks young enough!

32...

Some fools sacrifice
their happiness to a myth!

Why live in such a place ?

Look at your parishioners !

You can't hope
to stop their wickedness...

They're happy as they are...

They'd scorn your promises
of a mythical Paradise...

If you are Satan, sent from Hell
to tempt me, say so...

Call me any names.
Hell no more exists than Heaven!

Liar!

The Lord died millions
of years ago...

Then - why torment me
into forsaking Him?

I'm fond of the human race...

I want people to enjoy earthly life,
since there's no after- life.

Remember their unhappiness
will also cause your own...

Keep your hints to yourself
and go...

Whatever you shall do,
I'll still follow my Lord.

Does he often talk to himself?

It started on our way here...

All we need is a mad priest...

Mad?... Watch your words...

Was Joan of Arc mad?

You can't compare him to her...

Besides - saints usually
have haloes.

Your tongue wags
but says nothing.

What's happening, Mme Bibost?

The cart's nearly empty.
Where is all this to go?

Leave that to me...

My young parishioners,
I suppose.

Come... don't be afraid...
I won't eat you...

What's your name?

What does your father do?

Digs graves.

Is he very busy?

He says it's not too bad...

Did I scare you?

I did it!

Such a pity to see them
grow up into jailbirds!

They're left to their instincts... at present...

Can you reform them?

Of course ! Why not ?

Your predecessor gave up hope...

I should know... I'm the sacristan.

I'm very pleased to know you...

I'm sure we'll get on together...

What have they done to you ?

Nothing much...

Pitiful country !
Pitiful youth !

It's no use lighting a fire...

I must prepare some broth.

What will you eat?

Nothing tonight...
We'll see tomorrow...

You're afraid.
Thinking of leaving ?

If I do penance,
the Lord will have mercy.

You'll k*ll yourself, to no avail...

Atonement is never in vain...

You must find a room...
It's very late...

Good night, Mother Bibost!

It's you again, is it?

You're trembling, Vianney.

Why? You're afraid because you're alone...

Men are bound to feel lonely...

Their souls are clad in iron shells...

which only Love can break open.

Yes... the Love of God...

No... what I call Love...

Take a look...

This is what you disdain...

This is what you're up against !...

What you want them to forget!...

They've found their Heaven on earth!

That's not true... shut up...

If you knew that Heaven,
you wouldn't want another...

I want them to enter Paradise.

Why waste your life encouraging people to hate you?

They may hate me if they'll love God...

You're young...

All the more time to devote to them...

Full of ardour...

Which I offer to You,
O Divine Master !

Did you see those young women?

Stop it!

You failed with St. Anthony too, go away !

Why? Nothing is better
than pleasure...

Don't you long for it ?

I'll conquer it!

k*ll the evil within me !

If your God created all, He created evil !

Yes, that we may crush it !

No! to enjoy it!

Jesus, O my Lord,
forsake me not!

By order of H.M. Louis XVIII (18) -

- Mayors must take a census of all land sown with corn.

Why ?

A new tax.

In 1790, the Republic
abolished the Salt Tax -

- but Kings need money !

Samson has no land !

And the Horseshoe Tax ?

You put your price up
and we pay it.

Hear that?

The new Cure ringing for Mass.

I hope we're not letting him stay!

He finds our wine bad!

No law permits me
to throw him out !

No law - So what ?

Who's running this place?

The Concordat of 1799
is still in force -

- religious mettings may take place with police permission...

We'll make new rules !

The Mayor favours the reactionaries.

- he had his kids baptised...

Wasn't your mother buried by a priest during the Revolution?

Possibly! But I didn't lick Napolean's boots - or support Louis XVIII (18)!

What do you think of the chime ?

Somewhat cracked, my friend.

They won't listen
and won't come...

Why will we have so few?

In less time than it takes -

to say it and without
the patient noticing it -

- the tooth is out...

I'll tell you...

the Lady of the Manor,
who is very pious, will be there -

- the Lassagne children,
with their mother -

- and a few old people...

That will be six, perhaps seven...

ls that all ?

We'll pray for the absentees.

"...by a majority vote -

`` - to insist on the instant dismissal of a priest named..."

What is his name ?

Leave a blank...

`` for having contravened
police regulations

" by the immoderate use
of the church bells "...

What next !

We'll find other motives !

1800 years after the death of Our Saviour -

- what a pitiful state this Parish of Ars is in !

Of what use the sacrifice
of Calvary ?

My dear friends, I ask you:

- Did the Lord die
for your salvation in vain?

He still loves you
and calls you unto Him,

And you ignore Him,
you wallow in sin,

- and you don't know how to escape.

Were it a question of money, you'd find a way out -

- but as it's only your soul, you ignore it.

I've decided to fight with all my might,

to fight the sins of Ars -

- to fight ignorance and indifference to religion -

- with all the consequences...

... As the parishioners keep away from their Church -

- they will at least hear me !

Where I come from,
everybody is happy.

Work on the land is blessed !

People respect the Law of God.

What's he saying ?

I will not speak of the joy of the Love of God.

I'll leave that till later.

You have turned away from Him.

and He has forsaken you. It's only fair.

All He wants is your happiness, yet you persist in your sins.

Sin is the Lord's executioner -

- the destroyer of your souls.

It is the cause of your poverty...

Why are your cattle thin
and frail ?

They are not unlike the soul...

He's going to increase
the corn yield.

Don't be afraid - come closer !

The flagstones
of your old church -

- will not harm you...

If I shout, it's only because you're deaf !

Yet, I can whisper to Our Lord, because He hears me...

Sit down...

The House of Our Lord
is your House -

- we'll speak to Him as did your forefathers...

Discard hatred and spite

Less politics
and more understanding

All of us, hand in hand -

- can restore
prosperity to this town.

Swine !

True ! We're always quarreling!

Stop him !

You'd better shut up !
You at the Town Hall

Drop it... It's not worth it ... Come along.

You're right... Birds of a feather...

You left your Sunday market -

- and made your first step towards salvation.

The revolt for the good of Ars has begun -

- nothing will stop it !

We don't want a scandal...

Say your health is bad...

No.

You refuse to go ?

No.

We'll ask the Bishop !

As you wish. I'll obey him.

What about an easy parish ? You hardly earn enough to eat...

These potatoes are excellent !

Would you care for one ?

Do you think you've won because you've converted a few nitwits ?

We won't give in that easily !

You've ignored our bye-laws -

- which prohibit processions,
meetings and subversive
propaganda...

Put me in prison !

Maybe... Take care,
this is our last warning !

Come in.

What are you doing here ?

I wish to speak to the Cure.

Licking his boots !

What will your husband say ?

Don't worry, he'll join us !

What? Ruffin?

That'll be the day !

He's worse...

What can I do ?

I'm sure you can save him !

Me? Oh, no, no...

Perhaps, with Our Lord's help...

I'll come with you.

Careful, M. Vianney... Unqualified practising is ill*gal...

If practising charity is ill*gal, then I'm at fault !

Where does it hurt, my child ?

Has he been ill long ?

6 months.

Hasn't he seen a doctor ?

There's no doctor...

Clement, the bone-setter, looks after him...

What has he prescribed ?

Weird things...

Boiled blood of a black hen k*lled at moonrise mixed with brandy...

Have a drink on us.

Your health !

May your business go
from bad to worse !

Why?

The number of your patients may be reduced...

What makes you think that ?

Priests often interfere
with other people's business -

- our priest, particularly !

My patients ? He wouldn't dare !

Yet - if he cured Ruffin's boy ?

It may be harmful to you...

Ruffin's boy?

They wouldn't call him in !

He's there already !

What?

Go and see for yourself !

Certain ?

I don't tell lies.

I'll see to that !

Get some milk and sugar.
I'll try feeding him gently.

Stop those infernal potions !

They only make him worse...

Is your father paralysed ?

Yes.

When did it happen ?

5 years ago, after a fall -

- he's been unable to speak for the past 2 years...

We all grow old,
sooner or later...

Did you call the Cure ?

My boy was worse...

If something happens, don't blame me !

Of the two of us, you'd be
the one to k*ll the patients !

Henceforth,
refrain from witchcraft -

- In my parish!

You may live to regret this !

We'll see...

I'll be back this evening...

Was the child baptised ?

Yes - but my husband
doesn't know.

Is he such a brute ?

No one would deny that !

The priest?

I'll show him the metal
I'm made of !

Where is he ?

Gone...

Did you call him ?

Yes.

I'll teach you to bring his kind into my house !

No one can stop me !

If he comes again,
I'll break his neck !

He will!

I'll risk anything to save my child !

Jacques ! Jacques !

My son! My son !

Dead...

The priest k*lled her child!

Where's your master ?

What do you want of him ?

He'll soon know !

He may hide!
I'll still find him!

I'll m*rder him !

He's in the church !

Come here, you m*rder*r!

What do you want ?

You dared...

No scandal in this Church...

I'll come out, if you wish...

Don't try to get away...

Mr. Mayor, they're attacking our Cure...

They came to the Church.
They're sure to k*ll him !

Admit you k*lled him !

Quite untrue !

You came in my absence.

Only to nurse him.

He died after you'd left !

Our Lord called him...

He's calling you !

Stop !

If the Cure is guilty,
the law will deal with him.

Go home and wait...

I'll keep watch...

Don't bother. Under Our Lord's protection, I'll be safe...

Ruffin smashed everything...

It was far too rich, anyhow !

I knew this would happen... You can't fight me !

Your so-called God has deserted you...

Now then, change your mind and I'll fix everything...

St. Philomena !

Poisoned...

Did you notice anything ?

He prescribed milk and sugar.

Dear St. Philomena, protect me...

How can you count on her ?

She couldn't escape the Roman soldiers' arrows!

If she wants, she can reveal the truth...

There's no doubt...

He's trying to say something...

What's the matter ?

It's... it's... Cle...ment the... bo...ne-setter...

He speaks !

The bone-setter !
Did you see him ?

He poured the poi...son
in the mug...

Clement ? Are you certain ?

Dear little Saint, I put my trust in you... Show them-

They've arrested the bone-setter...

He poisoned the child !

Lord Jesus, St. Philomena
heard my prayer...

We'll place these relics in a golden casket, in the Church.

She will be our patron Saint...

12 Years Later

Any improvement ?

It takes time...

The priest is still here !

He won't get away !

Words ! Same as everyone else !

12 years - and nobody's dared... Now he's got quite a hold !

Hello Mr. Malray

Your contribution, please,
to the Charity Fund...

You, Catherine ?
Will you get out !

This Cure cursed my child and takes my trade !

I'd sooner die than give a penny !

The money goes to the Children's Orphanage.

Brats who keep me awake with their singing!

Tell him I'll shut their traps, if they don't stop!

On the occasion of the Coronation of King Louis-Philippe -

- the Council of Ars has decided
to organise a 'Fete' next Sunday.

The inhabitants are asked
to decorate the streets
with flags.

A Ball will be held
at Malray's Tavern.

Music - and a torchlight procession !

Another of those dances !

Will they never understand ?

Don't give up hope...

I shan't... until I die...

In this town,
wickedness is second nature...

A new excuse for dancing...

One must have some fun -

- but every Commandment
condemns dancing.

Dancing is the rope used
by the devil
to drag the Parish into Hell.

Our Saviour didn't ask us
to lose our souls -

- in welcoming a new King who may be worse than the former.

" The accession of a new King -

" - probably far more tyrannical than his predecessor..."

These subversive
Republican utterances -

- spoken from the pulpit of Ars -

- can only encourage
the population -

- in wishing the downfall
of the Monarchy to bring back...

Bring back... what ?

... the dark days of terror...

Please believe -

- in our devotion
to His Majesty's cause...

Signed by... ?

A group of inhabitants of Ars...

It'll reach Lyons in the morning...

If he's arrested on Fete Day,
I'll drink myself silly !

Hello Father.

Were these given to you,
M. le Cure ?

By the good Lady of the Manor...

Tell every child that
I shall give sweets -

- to all those who
go on the pilgrimage...

There's toffee, almonds
and barley sugar...

Here's one for you.

They won't see people
getting drunk...

The Cure promises sweets to those who go on the pilgrimage...

Tell them all !

Aren't we going to Mass ?

Plenty of time...

It's a sin to be late...

How you've changed !
Let's go, then.

May I go too ?

Where ?

To Church...

Your father forbids it !

The Cure is giving away sweets !

He's the one who made you a cr*pple, poor darling !

By order of the Court -

- we've been sent to arrest -

- J.M. Vianney,
Cure of this town...

What for ?

Plotting against the King,
subversive talk, etc.

There must be a mistake !

Wait for me at the Tavern... We'll deal with that later...

I'll go with them.

Take down the names.
We'll leave in the morning.

Young Malray !

What brings you here ?

Do you want to go
on the pilgrimage ?

Come closer...

What's wrong ?

Mother said you'd made me a cr*pple...

Give me back my legs...

I can do nothing, my child.

Perhaps God made you a cr*pple so that you may go to Heaven !

Please give them back !

Have you tried without crutches ?

No.

Try...

St. Philomena may intercede in your favour...

Try, my child...

They're coming back !

Thank you, M. le Cure !

Blessed be the Lord !

Blessed be the Lord !

Look !

Mama !

I've got them back !

He's cured!

M. le Cure -

The Cure?

- gave me back my legs !

A miracle !

Forgive me...

The Lord forgives you -

- but you've an account
to settle with Him...

You must be married in church, at the next village...

Why don't you marry us ?

They've come to arrest me.

I won't let them...

I accused you... I'll go in your place...

Fool ! You accused a Saint !

A Saint... because with God's help,
he looks into the soul...

Now, he will lavish his gifts on pilgrims coming from eveywhere...

Virtually a prisoner
in his restored church -

- he cleanses the soul from sin -

- unceasingly absolving
and healing huge crowds -

- that flock to the now famous village, by day and by night -

- whose last hope is intervention from Heaven.

These carriages must be making you a fortune !

It's a disgrace, anyhow !

If this invasion goes on,
I'm closing down.

Shall we go dancing tonight ?

No.

What's got hold of you ?
Taking the veil, too ?

Be less familiar.

Well I never...

Even the village star
attends every Mass

She's come to her senses !

Take this back away !

Have her shod in Paradise -

- with sacred horseshoes !

I'm through with all of you !

I'm the only one free thinker left.

Move on... you can't wait for the Cure here...

You've been told your place...

As his assistant, you should keep order ! They'll k*ll him !

As it is, he sleeps barely
2 hours a night !

Can we see him ?

We'll let you know... At present, he's praying for you...

At last, your hour of triumph !

They're waiting for you...

For you to absolve them...
to see into their souls...

You're somebody, now !

Your picture is in every house...

You'll be famous, after death...

Your statue will be
in every church !

Leave me alone !

Huge crowds have been converted,
ailments cured. . .

Some day, because of you, the human race might be saved...

Admit your defeat - and go !

Fool ! By saving others,
you've ruined yourself...

Me ?

Look into your soul !
It's jet-black !

You think this homage
is paid to you...

Exalted by this adoration,
you think you're God's equal !

How could I be ?

You are mine for ever...

You'll never lose that sense
of pride - a sin... You're lost...

Not yet !

I'll fight to the end...

I put my trust in the Lord.

Did you call me ?

You did well to come...

Look at the state you're in, after these mortifications...

You don't sleep because
you've given your bed away...

Your penances make you ill !

I've prepared a meal.

I'll not be eating.

This is madness, you never eat !

You're k*lling yourself !

I must go, Mme Bibost !

Leave Ars...
retire to a Monastery.

What next ? Who would bring these people back to God ?

I'm losing my soul...

But, you're a Saint, M. le Cure !

Don't utter that word !

I'm a sinner !

Come, come...
don't lose courage...

Go and see your orphans, they'll change your mood !

The Lord listens
to all your prayers...

Don't say that...
I'm a poor sinner...

My daughter is very ill... Please pray for her !

She will recover,
but you will lose her...

She'll become a Nun...

What about me ?

My poor child !

Stop your wickedness
at once or -

- you'll finish in hospital,
in agony...

Trust the Lord, He will help you...

You must confess, my friend !

Me ?

Yes.

They're in a hurry, up above...

I will recall your sins...

You haven't been to confession since 1825...

That's right...

At 16, you committed a theft...

Does it make a bang ?

You'll see !

You may die in peace...

The man you absolved
has died suddenly...

I thank You, O Lord,
for letting me know...

Some Years Later

Was he welcomed at first ?

We saw at once
that Heaven had sent him...

Don't lie, Malray.
We tried to turn him away...

We behaved badly.

He got his own back
by converting us.

When he healed my son -

ls the boy here ?

Yes... Paul ?

His first miracle...

He used to walk with crutches.

I don't wish to interrupt but -

- could we have a chat?

Certainly.

I want a word with you, Paul...

Let's go outside.

Why didn't you turn up ?

I was delayed...

Don't you love me ?

Of course, Louise.

Something's between us...

No.

You've changed...
I'm so unhappy !

So am I.

Nothing wrong ?

Yes .

What ?

I can't tell you yet...

Another girl ?

Oh no, Louise!

Wait for me here...

Won't you eat something?

No.

Then, you should rest.

I'll never rest !

More letters ?

Dreadful ones... Listen...

``Disgracing your robes
by impersonating a Saint...``

Signed ?

"A Cure who honours his robes"

Monstrous !

" People think you're a Saint, you're only
a sorcerer "

A wizard of Heaven!

This one is worse...

" I had faith, I came to see you.
I was not cured. "

" Because of you,
I have ceased to believe..."

They try you too much...

They're right...
I can't save them all...

Come in.

My little Paul. . .

I bet you want
your crutches back.

I want to become a priest.

I realized, months ago...

Don't think you're obliged to, simply because He healed you.

Our Saviour expects
nothing in exchange...

I feel it is my calling.

If you went into orders,
what would be the result ?

A bad priest...

Why ?

You could never
forget Louise Marchand.

How did you know ?

Your soul is clear as crystal.

It's an open book...

Go, my boy...
She's waiting.

Tell her I'll marry
you next month.

She's a fine girl...

The more children you have,
the more Catholics on earth...

Leaving me ?

I must comfort the sick...

If you can spare a moment -

- pray for me.

You don't need my prayers!

More than you think !

Do you hear ?

What is it ?

The moaning of the damned...

You'll be amongst them, soon...

I wan't ! !

Among the souls
you have led astray...

I'll pray for them...

You'd better know...
I performed your miracles !

No - it was God !

Your divine gift was mine...

Liar !

Admit my triumph or else...

Never !

Then go - unless you wish to die of terror !

I'm the master of the world... Others, before you, had to succumb...

I belong to my Lord !

Go - at once !

I always get my way.

Now that you've left,
I'll profect you...

You'll be happy...

Well ?

Nothing !

He went in that direction...

Where are you going?

Don't worry about me...

Come, come...
You must return with us !

I wish to retire -

- and be forgiven my sins...

But you're a Saint !

If you could see my soul !

Return for my sake...

Who would bless our marriage ?

Mr. Mayor! Mr. Mayor!

What's wrong ?

The Rectory is on fire !

See ? The Devil doesn't want me there !

All the more reason...

It's on fire...

The Cure ?

He was out...

Another miracle, they'll say !

If this continues,
horseshoes may one day
forge themselves !

They'll drive me crazy ! !

Oh Father. . .

Your bed is a cinder...

I'll sleep on the floor...

Why did you leave ?

I don't know... It was childish.

So, you dared to come back ?

Yes.

I'll find other means...

No.

Sure of yourself, aren't you ?

I am...

...sure of the affection
of those who brought me back -

- I shall never leave Ars !

I'll keep on relentlessly...

Poor fool !

You can harm me no more.

I don't wish to hear you
and I won't - any longer !

We'll see... I'm not through yet !

When I'm attacked,
I never give in !

A great honour for us -

- that H.M. the Emperor -

- has decided to award
the Legion of Honour to J.M. Vianney...

There's method in his madness!

Our town benefits by
our Cure's fame, anyhow!

Your father was his enemy !

Respect the dead !

Not the turncoats !

Like them, I preferred
the lining to the cloth !

I'll wear my coat as before...

It's filthy either way !

Leave him to his obsession...

No, Sir, I'm not obsessed !

In 68 years, I've seen 7 governments...

The Republic, Napoleon, Louis XVIII (18), Charles X (10), Louis-Philippe-

- the 2nd Republic,
the 2nd Empire !

I've seen liberty and oppression -

- seen men change opinions- as they changed masters !

Weaned under Robespierre -

- I refuse to lead the destinies of this stronghold of clericalism !

Rather than sit here,
I'd' sooner wait -

- until democracy turns out the tyrants !

I tender my resignation !

Good riddance !

He's jealous
of the Cure's triumph !

As the first Mass must be over

- I suggest we leave
for the Rectory.

You want to resign ? Why ?

I'm still being paid as a sacristan, but -

- I'm nearly 100 years old -

- and not much use !

You've been my faithful
servant since I came...

You will remain to the end...

What a lot of people!

Have you all come to see me ?

Yes Father.

Jean Marie Vianney -

- I have been ordered
to confer on you -

- the Cross of Chevalier
of the Legion of Honour...

I thank you, Mr. Mayor,
but I'm not worthy...

You deserve it...

I deserve nothing.

Give it to Lebourg,
who lost his legs in the Crimea.

That's not possible...
The Emperor awarded it to you.

Quite a nice medal...

What is it made of ?

Silver-gilt...

Then I'll take it -

- I'll sell it to buy
food for my orphans !

Thank you, Mr. Mayor,
for coming here -

- although you're one short...

One of your colleagues
I would have liked to see...

He's as stubborn as a mule !

Still, I must win him over.

He's the only black
sheep in the flock !

ON SUNDAY-
BUSINESS AS USUAL

Now, the Cure of Ars is dying...

Worn out by privations -

- and his intense
religious activity -

- he prepares to meet God -

- adorned with the glory
of the Saints...

Let our thoughts dwell
upon him -

- let us ask God to spare him the torments of death...

You're crying, M. le Cure ?

I'm sad at the thought -

- of this last Communion...

But you'll soon be with Our Lord -

- in the midst of those you brought back to Him...

So many still to be converted !

The Lord is so merciful...

If we can't go to Him -

- it is He Who comes...

St. John Vianney died on
August 4, 1859.

at the age of 73.

Because of his
impending beatification,

his body was exhumed
on June 17, 1904.

Against all the laws of
medicine and science,

the Saint's body was discovered to be completely incorrupt.

And it remains so to this day,

displayed in a special glass coffin and his shrine in Ars, France.

Pope St. Pius X (10) beatified him on January 8, 1905.

Pius XI (11) canonised him on May 31, 1925.

and in 1929 the Church proclaimed him

patron Saint of all the parish priests throughout the world.

THE END

LE SORCIER DU CIEL
(Octobre 14, 1949).

HOLY FAMILY STUDIOS

Jean-Charles Reynaud

Marcel Blistène

René Jolivet

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