The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney, a 19th century French priest who is the patron saint of parish priests, will be at St. Clare of Assisi Church in Saint Clair this Friday, April 12 from 12 noon to 7 PM.
The Shrine of Ars, France has entrusted the Knights of Columbus with the major relic of St. John Vianney’s incorrupt heart for a national tour that began in November and ends in June, by which time it will have visited 41 states.
A series of services are scheduled at St. Clare of Assisi Church on Friday starting with reception of the relic and Mass to be celebrated by Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert at 12 noon. The Novena to St. John Vianney and Veneration begins at 1:30 PM. Recitation of the Rosary is scheduled for 5:45 PM, Stations of the Cross are to be held at 6 PM and Solemn Vespers, or Evening Prayer, led by Bishop Schlert is scheduled for 7 PM.
The Knights of Columbus has said it welcomes this special opportunity to offer for veneration a major relic of the patron of parish priests, whose holiness and integrity is a model for clergy and laity alike.
