Entrusted to the Knights of Columbus by the Shrine of Ars, France, the major relic of St. Jean Vianney’s incorrupt heart will be in El Paso at St. Patrick Cathedral on Tuesday, May 7th.
“In Catholic tradition, a relic is an object associated with a saint that may be offered to the faithful for veneration,” Diocese of El Paso officials shared. “Since the soul of a saint is united with God in heaven, an object associated with a saint is meant to draw a person closer to God. Neither the relic nor the saint are to be worshiped.”
The heart of St. Jean Vianney was taken from the saint’s body after his death in recognition of his burning love for God and humanity. It has remained intact, or incorrupt, for more than 150 years.
Diocese officials say the relic will be received with a formal reception at the front doors of the Cathedral at 7:00 pm. Following that, a holy hour for vocations with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held.
The faithful will then have the opportunity to venerate the relic individually, inside of the Cathedral of St. Patrick (1118 North Mesa) from 8:00pm – 10:00 pm
The Knights of Columbus welcome this special opportunity to offer for veneration of this Holy, major relic of St. Vianney the patron of parish priests, whose holiness and integrity is a model for clergy and laity alike.
Relics are classified in three categories:
First Class – A physical part of a saint, such as a piece of bone or a lock of hair.
Second Class – An object routinely used or touched by the saint during life, such as a piece of clothing, a book or a pen.
Third Class –An object that is reverently touched to a first-class relic.
For more information on St. Jean Vianney of France and his relic please visit this website.
