Saint Jean Vianney Relic Pilgrimage

Who is the sponsor of this relic pilgrimage?

The Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization, is pleased to sponsor this major relic pilgrimage, through a generous loan from the Shrine at Ars, France. It is especially meaningful for the Knights to host the relic of the patron of parish priests, since the Order was founded in 1882 by a holy parish priest, Father Michael McGivney. His cause for sainthood is open at the Vatican, which has bestowed on him the title of Venerable, in recognition of his heroic virtue. The heart relic of St. Jean Vianney will be reverently displayed in cathedrals, churches, chapels and seminaries throughout the United States, from November 2018 to early June 2019.

What is a relic?

In Catholic tradition, a relic is an object associated with a saint that may be offered to the faithful for veneration. Since the soul of a saint is united with God in heaven, an object associated with a saint is meant to draw a person closer to God. Neither the relic nor the saint are to be worshipped.

Relics are classified in three categories:

First Class – A physical part of a saint, such as a piece of bone or a lock of hair. The heart of St. Jean Vianney was taken from the saint’s body after his death in recognition of his burning love for God and humanity. It has remained intact, or incorrupt, for more than 150 years.

Second Class – An object routinely used or touched by the saint during life, such as a piece of clothing, a book or a pen.

Third Class –An object that is reverently touched to a first-class relic.

Do Catholics Worship Relics?

No. The teaching of the Church is very clear that we are never to worship anything or anyone other than God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We venerate relics as holy objects that are associated with saints who now live in God’s presence. A relic is venerated in recognition of the fact that God has worked through a saint, and that an object associated with a saint is holy and can lead us to God. The healing power of relics comes from God alone and never from the object.

Reference to an early form of relics can be found in the New Testament, when a women was healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment (Mt 9:18-26) and when cloths touched by St. Paul were used to heal the sick and drive out demons (Acts 19:12). A more developed use of relics began during the persecution of the early Church, when the faithful would retrieve the bones of martyrs and place them under the altar for Mass. To this day, Catholic churches place first-class relics in altar stones.

What is a reliquary?

A reliquary is a special case that holds a relic. It may be small enough to fit in a hand or large enough to encase a saint’s body. The case used on this tour is a 17th century French reliquary.

Who made the painting of St. John Vianney that is traveling with the relic?

The painting, or religious icon, was commissioned by the Knights of Columbus for this tour. The original was painted by Italian iconographer Fabrizio Diomedi, and copies have been made to accompany the relic.

Is the relic pilgrimage taking donations?

Yes. Since the Knights of Columbus is covering all costs of the U.S. pilgrimage, donations made by the faithful during stops of the relic pilgrimage will benefit the Shrine at Ars, France, which is renovating its facilities to provide an even deeper spiritual experience for pilgrims.

How can I learn about the scheduled visits for the heart relic?

The Knights of Columbus has posted a web page with a printable prayer card, a copy of the icon and the latest schedule updates. Visit: kofc.org/vianney.