By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer
The incorrupt heart of the patron saint of parish priests was received by Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert April 12 at St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair as part of a national pilgrimage tour sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
The major relic of St. John Vianney, an 18th century French priest revered for his holiness and sanctity of life, and whose heart has been incorrupt for more than 150 years, was contained in a special reliquary and venerated by the faithful.
“In the history of the Diocese, this will be recorded as a privileged day. It is a great honor for the Diocese to receive with joy and veneration for such a relic,” said Bishop Schlert to more than 400 faithful at Mass where the relic was accepted.
The relic was venerated by hundreds of more faithful throughout the day that included the Novena to St. John Vianney and Veneration of the Relic every half hour.
The day also featured Recitation of the Rosary; Praying for Priests through St. John Vianney’s Intercession led by Father Adam Sedar, secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Clergy; and Stations of the Cross led by
Monsignor David James, Diocesan vicar general.
The day concluded with Solemn Vespers presided by Bishop Schlert.
With Holy Week approaching, Bishop Schlert told the faithful that priests recommit themselves to Holy Orders and asked the faithful to keep vocations in mind as they venerated the relic with their personal intentions.
“Here is a heart of a saint that contained the very love of God. We, too, are called as priests and all of you by our baptism – to have the heart of Christ,” he said.
Also known as the Cure d’Ars, Bishop Schlert reminded the faithful that the saint did not have a comfortable life, few human accolades and was not the brightest student in the seminary.
“That was a great consolation for many of us in the seminary,” he said, drawing laughter from the congregation.
After his ordination and a brief assignment in a parish, St. John Vianney was called to Ars.
“It really can be considered the most menial assignment. But he went with great love and great expectations – with God’s help – to reconvert pagans after the French Revolution,” he said.
“It can be a message for us priests and seminarians. Sometimes we must persevere and accept assignments that we don’t choose,” said Bishop Schlert.
He then told the faithful that the day was a time for priests to ask God for perseverance and grace.
“We ask that we are able to accept and do with strength and courage to serve God’s people no matter who they are or where they are,” said Bishop Schlert.
More than ever, according to Bishop Schlert, priests are needed today, and people need to be reminded that it is a very noble calling.
“It’s a calling to conform our lives to Christ in a unique way. When lived with holiness – it serves the salvation of souls,” he said.
Asking his brother priests to not be discouraged or downtrodden, Bishop Schlert told them to never give up on being nourished by the priesthood.
“It’s not an easy time in the priesthood. But it is a time that priesthood is needed more than ever,” noted Bishop Schlert.
“Vocations to the priesthood are the future of our Church. We need good, holy and healthy men. We need them to be of the highest quality.
“Please pray for us that we may always have grace to live out that calling to service of Jesus, his Church and to you.”
St. John Vianney was born in 1786 and served as a simple parish priest in the French town of Ars. He was known to spend as many as 18 hours a day hearing confessions from people who traveled from throughout Europe to see the priest who was known for his holiness and piety. He died in 1859.
Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1925 and proclaimed him patron saint of parish priests in 1929. His incorrupt body and heart are displayed at his shrine in Ars.
