St. John Vianney’s relics to tour Ireland next week

April 20, 2010

In an apparent response to Pope Bendict’s March 19 pastoral letter on the Irish clerical abuse scandal, the Irish bishops have arranged to have the relics of St. John Mary Vianney travel to four cities from April 25 to 28 for the veneration of the faithful.

The Pontiff wrote:

In this Year for Priests, I commend to you most particularly the figure of Saint John Mary Vianney, who had such a rich understanding of the mystery of the priesthood. “The priest”, he wrote, “holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord; the administrator of his goods.” The Curé d’Ars understood well how greatly blessed a community is when served by a good and holy priest: “A good shepherd, a pastor after God’s heart, is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy.” Through the intercession of Saint John Mary Vianney, may the priesthood in Ireland be revitalized, and may the whole Church in Ireland grow in appreciation for the great gift of the priestly ministry.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Philip Boyce: Curé of Ars offers Catholics chance to pray for priests (Irish Times)
• Visit of the Relics of St John Vianney to Ireland (Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference)
• Pope Benedict: Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland