By Laura Lane
The history of the Roman Catholic Church includes many symbols, including relics. ³Relic,² which comes from a Latin word meaning remains, refers to an object -- especially a body part or personal item of someone of religious significance -- carefully kept as a tangible memorial.
Curé of Ars Roman Catholic Church in Merrick is celebrating its 80th anniversary with the visit of a relic that holds considerable meaning for the parish -- the heart of St. John Vianney, the original pastor of Curé of Ars Church in France.
The Rev. Vianney, admired for his tireless dedication to his parish, often spent 18 hours a day in the confessional. In his writings, he described the human heart as small because people tended to be self-serving. Vianney believed that prayer and devotion to others expanded the heart. Pope Pius XI canonized Vianney in 1925 as the patron saint of all parish priests.
"They removed the heart of St. John Vianney because his heart was large with generosity. The body parts chosen to be relics are usually related to the saint's strengths," said the Rev. Charles Mangano, pastor of Curé of Ars in Merrick, who arranged for the visit. "St. John Vianney's heart is totally intact and defies the laws of nature. It's a miracle."
The heart's visit marks only the second time that it has left France; the first was in 1925, for the saint's canonization in Rome. Guy Bagnard, the bishop of Belley-Ars in France, will carry the relic to Merrick.
Mangano believes his church received approval for the visit because it was the first church in the U.S. to be named after Vianney's church in France.
Church leaders hope that the relic's visit will inspire young men to consider becoming priests. "When God's people gather in prayer, there's a power present, and energy," said Mangano. "Many people will gather, and the meditation may inspire people to give their life to Christ as St. John Vianney did."
Curé of Ars expects many people to visit the relic. And priests from as far as upstate will come, as well.
Parishioners Al Belbol Jr. and his father were chosen to present the heart, which will be encased in a glass reliquary while at the church. "My father and I are very excited about this," said Belbol. "This is our patron saint. Now we'll have a piece of him here, which I think will rejuvenate the parish."
Curé of Ars parishioners plan to pay homage to the heart. The Knights of Columbus will provide an honor guard for it during its stay, and there will be many hours of veneration open to the public
(see schedule in box).
A heartfelt visit
The schedule for veneration of St. John Vianney's heart at Curé of Ars Roman Catholic Church in Merrick will be as follows:
€Saturday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6 to 10 p.m.
€Tuesday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
€Wednesday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For more information, call (516) 623-1400
Comments about this story? LLane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
