Our Catholic Identity
The Saint John Vianney Center, a member facility of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and is managed by Catholic Health Care Services. We offer a multi-disciplinary, research-based approach to the behavioral health issues of Catholic religious and priests. Our approach grows from Christ's healing presence and is deeply rooted in our Catholic heritage. Our programs integrate treatment for behavioral health issues with each patient's vocational journey. While fully and faithfully Catholic in our identity, what we hold in common with other Christians inspires us to welcome clergy from all denominations.
The Vianney Difference
The Vianney Difference is rooted in the tradition of our patron Saint John Vianney (the "Curé D' Ars"), whose example as a tireless confessor exemplified the principle that we listen first. To listen is to walk with another person, and companion them at this point in their journey with the Lord. Much like the Gospel stories of the disciples on the road to Emmaus after leaving Jerusalem, life's journey can be filled with having been witnesses to much suffering, with many dashed hopes and dreams. We are often blind to the enduring presence of the Lord Jesus in those moments. The Vianney difference reaches people by truly listening to them at these critical junctures in life.
First, we strive to be as the Lord is to each of us; companions along the journey. Then, we listen to each person's story of faith in hopes of facilitating rediscovery of the Lord's presence and understanding of how he or she might have grown blind to that sacred presence along the road.
Secondly, the Vianney difference is built upon reverence. We are known as a community of caregivers who honor and respect the dignity of every person that crosses the threshold of our doors. That reverence extends to a genuine appreciation of cultural and individual differences and difficulties. Saint John Vianney welcomed all who came to his door. Reverence means not simply that we never judge, but we look to understand with compassion.
Thirdly, the Vianney difference is steeped in a tradition of excellence in healing, reconciliation, and recovery. We strive never to allow an individual to feel as though they are a number, a diagnosis or a problem. Recovery, reconciliation and healing are the hallmarks of the Vianney experience that differentiates us from others in the field. Brokenness never occurs in a vacuum. We attempt to reconcile the individual to their community of faith; their unique situation. We attempt to address the multi-dimensional nature of the healing process in all that we do. One size never fits everyone.
Finally, our bottom line is all about engendering hope. Just like the disciples on the road from Emmaus whose hearts were "burning within them," as they listen to and eventually recognize the risen Lord, one can believe anew and act differently. To see differently means being able to look at our own Calvary in "Jerusalem," to believe again is to enter our brokenness, and to walk again is to learn how to engage the new stage of our journey with the Lord at our side. This time we walk not in isolation and fear but together in confidence. This is our hope. This is healing. This is recovery and reconciliation.
