New Burial Areas Dedicated to Saint John Vianney

Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles today celebrated the blessing of a newly developed section for priests named after the patron saint of priests, St. John Vianney. The section was blessed by Bishop David O’Connell from the San Gabriel Pastoral region at Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mortuary in Rowland Heights, on St. Vianney’s Feast Day. Priests from around the region joined the celebration and received a tour of the cemetery and mortuary grounds. Bishop Robert Barron from the Santa Barbara Pastoral region will bless a second dedicated section at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, CA. on Friday, August 6^th.

LIVESTREAM - DEDICATION OF SAINT JOHN VIANNEY - QUEEN OF HEAVEN CEMETERY & MORTUARY

LIVESTREAM - DEDICATION OF SAINT JOHN VIANNEY - SANTA CLARA CEMETERY & MORTUARY

“Our priests are called to follow St. John Vianney’s example of tireless service and dedication to bring God’s loving mercy to all,” said Brian McMahon, Director of Community Outreach for Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “We can’t thank our priests enough for all they do in service to our Church. We hope that these dedicated sections serve as a token of our gratitude for our priests on behalf of our community of faith.”

 

Every year on August 4, the annual Fest Day for St. John Vianney, the Church throughout the world recalls the wonderful life of the extraordinary human who loved God with such fervor and gave his whole life to being a holy priest. St. John Vianney brought God’s love and mercy to people, and he brought people to God.

 

St. John Vianney popularly known as the ‘Curé of Ars,’ is revered as a model of priestly generosity, purity, and prayerfulness. Born in France in 1786, he grew up in a time of open hostility to the Catholic Church in the wake of the French Revolution when the faith was attacked, churches destroyed, and the clergy martyred. Assigned to lead the parish in the small farming community of Ars, Father Vianney was famous for hearing confessions for up to 18 hours a day as people from across Europe and beyond came to see him. His notoriety throughout the Catholic world grew even after his death in 1859, and he continues to inspire a quest for holiness by both priests and the laity.

 

Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mortuary rests on more than 100 acres. Its natural beauty shines through, accented by stunning statues, artwork, and stained glass. Many leaders in culture and the arts have made Queen of Heaven their chosen resting place. While Santa Clara Cemetery & Mortuary have found their place in history. Established in the 19th century, it is the oldest Archdiocesan Cemetery. Monthly, Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries hosts a virtual Memorial Mass to remember and pray for deceased loved ones on catholiccm.org.