CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral hosted the relic of the incorrupt heart of St. Jean Vianney May 24. Throughout the day, people lined up to venerate the relic and to pray for the intercession of St. Jean Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests.
The saint’s relic, which is on a national tour sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, was also hosted at Belmont Abbey’s Mary Help of Christians Basilica May 24, the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of Belmont Abbey.
St. Jean Vianney (1786-1859), a parish priest in the small French town of Ars, was known for his gentle pastoral manner and great humanity. Many miracles were worked at his intercession. After his death, Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1925 and he has been looked to as a patron saint of parish priests and model of priestly holiness.
When his body was exhumed, his heart was found to be preserved and is a focus of devotion.
— Photos provided by James Sarkis
