How can we celebrate our parish’s patronal feast day—August 4th, the Feast of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars?
Come to Mass! We are adding a special evening Mass at 7 pm so that more people can attend to celebrate our patron saint’s feast day. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, it is the 50th anniversary of the founding of our parish, and since Pope Benedict XVI has declared this to be a “Year for Priests” it is especially appropriate to celebrate this saint who is the patron of all parish priests.
As an added spiritual bonus, there is always a plenary indulgence offered for visiting a parish church on its titular feast day. To receive this indulgence, one has to visit the church and pray one Our Father and the Creed. Plus, there are the normal conditions of having a sacramental confession, receiving communion, and praying for the intention of the Holy Father. The latter three things can be done within plus or minus a week or so of the actual feast. But, to make it easy for you all, I’ll be offering confessions before the 7 pm Mass from 6 to 6:45 pm. If you attend Mass, I assure you we will pray the Our Father, the Creed and pray for the Pope’s intentions, so this is your chance to celebrate this feast day with gusto!
What is a plenary indulgence? Look at my March 30, 2008 answer on the Curé website under the “Ask a Priest” ministry link. Or read the Catechism of the Catholic Church sections 1478-1484. The short answer is that it is a very good thing and worth your while.
-Fr. Greg
If you would like submit a question, please write it out and place it in the “Ask a Priest” box in the vestibule or email me at frgreg@kc.rr.com.
