Jan 24, 2019
Father Patrice Chocholski, Rector of the Shrine of Saint Jean Marie Vianney in Ars, France, spoke about Vianney’s life during a Holy Hour at the Basilica of Saint Mary on January 16, 2019. The Basilica of Saint Mary hosted Vianney’s incorrupt heart on January 15 and 16, 2019. The relic was on loan from Ars and on a national tour of the United States. Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.
Founded in 1795, the Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria is the first Catholic parish established in Virginia. Pope Francis named the church a minor basilica on December 6, 2017 due to its important role in the growth of the Catholic Church in North America.