'The Cure d'Ars' is the name for St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney, a Catholic priest who was famous for his holiness and extraordinary service in the parish of Ars, France. He was known for his simplicity, patience, and extraordinary ability to listen and grant absolution. He served the parish in the city of Ars, France, for 40 years. Holiness and Service. He was famous for his holiness, patience, and extraordinary ability to listen and grant absolution to his people. For the last 10 years of his life, he spent 16-18 hours a day in the confessional. He attracted many worshipers and pilgrims, and he is considered a role model and patron of priests around the world. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1925.