The incorrupt heart of Saint John Marie Vianney, patron saint of all parish priests, has arrived in England.

The veneration of such relics is often a misunderstood and misrepresented aspect of Catholic belief and practice.

Pope Benedict XVI gave the following succinct explanation of it in Cologne, at the cathedral containing the relics of the Gospel’s three wise men:

“By inviting us to venerate the mortal remains of the martyrs and saints, the Church does not forget that, in the end, these are indeed just human bones, but they are bones that belonged to individuals touched by the transcendent power of God. The relics of the saints are traces of that invisible but real presence which sheds light upon the shadows of the world and reveals the Kingdom of Heaven in our midst. They cry out with us and for us ‘Maranatha!’ – ‘Come Lord Jesus!”

The visit of St John Vianney’s heart is a fantastic chance to draw closer to the spirit of this humble and loving priest.

Here is the schedule:

It will be taken to Wythenshawe on July 5, Liverpool and the Wirral on July 6; Northwich, Cheshire and Shrewsbury Cathedral on July 7 and finally to the Invocation annual vocations discernment weekend in Birmingham on July 7 and July 8, before returning to France on July 9.

If you do not know the saint’s story; a life built on love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, on service to his parishioners and love for the Church, you can read the CTS biography by George W. Rutler, priced £1.95, or listen to a podcast summary of the booklet.

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Of related interest:

	Saint John Mary Vianney – The amazing story of the ordinary parish priest who transformed his parish and worked great miracles.
	John Mary Vianney - John Mary wanted just one thing – to be a priest. After years of hard study, his dream came true. In the village of Ars in France, where he was sent, he devoted himself completely to his parish.
	Pilgrim France – In this comprehensive yet readable guide, practical advice on travel and accommodation is perfectly combined with stunning colour photography and history, to make this the perfect volume to carry with you while travelling through France.

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