Relic of St. John Vianney
venerated in Oakland Diocese
The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney, known
as the Cure of Ars, came to the Oakland Diocese July 16-18, with visits
to St. John Vianney Parish in Walnut Creek, Holy Spirit Parish in
Fremont and the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Thousands of Catholics
participated in prayer services, vigils and Masses in the relic’s
presence. Bishop Emeritus John Cummins celebrated Sunday Mass at the
cathedral while the relic was enshrined there.
At all three sites, Father Vincent Siret, associate pastor of a parish
in Ars, France, spoke about the saint who is known as the patron of
parish priests because of his reputation as a spiritual director and
confessor. The relic was on a global tour during the Year for Priests,
proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI to mark the 10th anniversary of the
saint’s death. |
