The initiative is aimed at all those priests who wish to take a break from their pastoral activities to dedicate themselves exclusively to their spiritual care.

Newsroom (August 3, 2021, 8:15 PM, Gaudium Press) The Shrine of Saint John Mary Vianney in Ars, France, is preparing a special program to celebrate the feast of its patron saint, which is celebrated on August 4.

One of the initiatives is a retreat for priests, promoted by the Society of Saint John Mary Vianney, for all those priests who wish to take a break from their pastoral activities, to dedicate themselves exclusively to their spiritual care.

Program for the Feast of the Holy Curate of Ars

On Tuesday evening, August 3, there will be a vigil of Adoration and Confession for priests and interested lay people. The program for August 4 will begin at 9 in the morning with morning prayer, followed by a solemn Mass at 10 in the morning.

This will be followed by a time for veneration of the heart relic of the Holy Curé d’Ars. After a time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a talk will be given by Archbishop de Germay, of Lyon, at 3:00 pm, and at 4:00 pm, solemn Vespers will be recited.

Society of Saint John Mary Vianney

Archbishop Olivier de Germay, who is the Archbishop Primate of Lyon, France, will preside at the Holy Masses on August 4. The prelate is newly appointed, having taken over the Lyon diocese only a few months ago.

In addition to the program for the feast of the Curé of Ars, this year will also include the help and participation of the Society of Saint John Mary Vianney, which is a Society of Apostolic Life founded from the visit of Pope John Paul II in Ars. At that time, the Bishop of Ars founded a Society, a seminary, a Priestly Foyer. (EPC)

Compiled by Sarah Gangl