The incorrupt heart of Saint John Vianney, a major relic of the patron saint of parish priests, will visit the Diocese of Knoxville on May 23 as part of its pilgrimage to the United States. The Knights of Columbus, entrusted with the relic on its national tour of the U.S., will be working with Bishop Richard F. Stika to finalize an agenda and opportunities for veneration, Mass, and additional possible ceremonies. Saint John Vianney died in 1859. When exhumed, his body was found to be incorrupt and is enshrined in Ars, France. His still intact heart was later removed. This major relic began a tour of the U.S. in 2018. More information on specific schedules for its visit to the Diocese of Knoxville will be posted at dioknox.org and listed in the East Tennessee Catholic newspaper.
The following is the timeline for the Saint John Vianney Relic Pilgrimage(Subject to Change).
7:30 am – Arrival of Relic at Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919
8:05 am – Mass with students and faculty of Sacred Heart Catholic School
9:00 am-8:00 pm – Public Veneration of Relic of St. John Vianney
Noon – Mass with the Clergy, Religious, and Laity of the Diocese of Knoxville
1:00 pm – Public Veneration
7:00 pm – Rosary for the intentions of all the priests and for vocations.
8:00 pm – End of veneration