December 21, 2018

Catholics invited to venerate heart of St. John Vianney at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral on Jan. 4

By Sean Gallagher

The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney will be available for veneration by Catholics of central and southern Indiana from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Jan. 4 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis.

The relic of the patron saint of priests, which is ordinarily housed at the shrine for St. John Vianney in Ars, France, is on a tour of the United States organized by the Knights of Columbus.

Father Eric Augenstein, archdiocesan vocations director, said the visit of this relic to the archdiocese is a unique spiritual opportunity for area Catholics.

“Pilgrimages are often great opportunities for people to grow in their faith and their connection to Jesus and the saints, but it’s not always feasible for people to travel long distances to visit holy places,” he said. “Having the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney here in Indianapolis brings the spiritual fruits of pilgrimage right here to our own archdiocese as we are able to spend time in prayer in the presence of a relic of a holy priest, and ask his intercession for our needs and the needs of the archdiocese.”

Father Augenstein also noted that venerating this relic of St. John Vianney is a good opportunity to pray for priestly vocations since he is the patron saint of parish priests.

“He was known for having a heart that overflowed with love for Jesus and love for the people he was called to serve, especially through the celebration of the sacraments,” Father Augenstein said. “We need good and holy priests in our archdiocese, and there is perhaps no better way to pray for an increase in vocations than through the intercession of St. John Vianney.”

Various opportunities for prayer will take place at the cathedral while the heart of St. John Vianney is available for veneration.

A Liturgy of the Word will take place at 10 a.m. At noon, the Angelus and the rosary will be prayed. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and litany will be prayed at 3 p.m. The sacrament of penance will be available from 4-5 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 5:15 p.m.

For more information about the national tour of the heart of St. John Vianney, visit www.kofc.org/en/events/vianney.html. †

Local site Links: