Calvary Santa Barbara Opens New Burial Area

Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara is proud to announce the opening of a new burial section dedicated to the memory of Saint John Vianney. Vianney is known as the patron saint of parish priests, and his unwavering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his profound faith in the sacrament of confession has inspired clergy worldwide.
 
Our newly designed garden offers a range of options for archdiocesan priests and community members seeking a final resting place. The garden includes a columbarium adorned with a statue of Saint John Vianney, companion niches, and high-quality double-depth lawn crypts for in-ground burial. Additionally, the cremation garden area provides a variety of options. We understand the importance of finding a respectful and fitting final resting place for your loved ones. Therefore, our cremation gardens are thoughtfully designed with liturgical appropriateness in mind, ensuring a beautiful and dignified memorial for your loved one's remains at Catholic Cemeteries.

We are deeply honored to have His Excellency, The Most Reverend Sławomir Stanisław Szkredka, S.S.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Santa Barbara Pastoral Region, lead the Memorial Day Mass and join us in blessing and dedicating this sacred resting place. We warmly invite you to join us in this significant event, starting with Mass, which commemorates the memory of those who served our country, followed by the blessing and dedication of this unique section at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara on May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. If you would like more information, please call (805) 687-8811.

Saint John Vianney was raised in a Catholic household by a family known for helping the poor. During the French Revolution's anticlerical Terror phase in 1790, priests worked in secrecy or faced execution. At that time, young Vianney admired the priests risking their lives to practice their faith. The anticlerical sentiment during the Reign of Terror had forced Vianney to make his first communion and confession in secrecy. In 1818, he became the priest of the small village of Ars, France. His unwavering commitment to the sacraments, most notably confession, attracted thousands of pilgrims to Ars. He tirelessly spent 11 to 16 hours a day working to reconcile people with God. On October 3, 1873, Pope Pius IX declared Fr. Vianney venerable. Subsequently, Pope Pius X beatified him on January 8, 1905, and he was canonized on May 31, 1925.