National day of prayer for vocations

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral:
before the arrival of the relic of the heart of St John Vianney

Between the 5th and 8th July the relic of the heart of St John Vianney is visiting the  Archdiocese of Birmingham and Dioceses of Shrewsbury and Salford. 

“The visit of the relics of St John Vianney will likewise be a moment for many to reflect on what should be at the heart of parish life, the heart of the priesthood – the same call to holiness and witness to the Gospel which was seen in the life of this great parish priest.” Bishop of Shrewsbury

Friday was a national day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and the renewal of parish life. Thanks to a member of the parish who visited Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to attend Morning Prayer prayed for everyone in the parish including Canon Stephen and Fr Stewart and has sent some photographs of their visit.
  

Reliquary for heart of St John Vianney

In 2009, Fr Andrew Allman, (currently Vocations Director) visited Ars where St John Vianney was a parish priest, click here for photos and a short life of St John Vianney and click here for details of his visit to the chapel where the relic of the heart is usually kept. 
  

Bishop Michael Davies

For more information about the 2012 visit and to listen to sermons given during the tour which tell us about the life of St John Vianney and his devotion to the Eucharist click here. Bishop Mark Davies, of the Shrewsbury Diocese talks about the visit of the relic of St John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests.  Click here for a 3 minute radio interview.

Statue of Our Lady
protecting her son

St John Vianney's Feast Day: 4th August

The visit of the relic of St John Vianney's heart was very powerful and moving and is timely.  On his feast day this year there will be a meeting to explore  the vocation of spiritual motherhood for the priests in our diocese. More information to follow.