The Heart of Saint John Berchmans will be visiting Grand Coteau and Shreveport Louisiana!!
http://www.dailyworld.com/story/news/local/2016/11/05/relic-catholic-saint-coming-grand-coteau-shreveport/93292428
The heart of Catholic Saint John Berchmans is leaving Belgium for the
first time to visit Grand Coteau and Shreveport for the 150th
anniversary of the miracle Berchmans performed in Grand Coteau that led
to him to become canonized by the Vatican.
The relic will be leaving Belgium on Dec. 7, 2016, to head to Shreveport. On
Dec. 14, 2016, the relic will be in Grand Coteau all day available for
viewing and veneration at Berchmans' shrine at Schools of the Sacred
Heart.
"As a lifelong Catholic, it is a thrill to have a relic of
that importance here, and in particular knowing our school was named
after him and in his honor, we're just so excited to celebrate the 150th
anniversary of the commemoration of the apparition and the miracle,"
said Yvonne Adler, Ph.D, head of Schools of the Sacred Heart.
The miracle at Grand Coteau on Dec. 14, 1866, involved a young woman
who was studying at Sacred Heart to become a nun. She had been battling
health problems and was on the brink of death when Berchmans allegedly
appeared before Wilson and eased her suffering. The Vatican deemed the
miracle authentic, and on Jan. 15, 1888, Berchmans was canonized as a
saint by Pope Leo XIII.
Berchmans was the eldest of 5 children
to a shoemaker in Belgium. While a teenager, Berchmans decided to enroll
in a Jesuit college and began his spiritual education, and in 1616
became a Jesuit novitiate. After taking his vows into priesthood in
1618, he began to study philosophy and was selected to continue his
studies in Rome. He died at 22 years old of the Roman Fever in 1622.
150th Anniversary of the Apparition and Miracle of St. John Berchmans
We invite you to celebrate a holy and monumental occasion, the 150th
Anniversary of the Apparition and Miracle of St. John Berchmans. On December 7, 2016, the holy heart of St. John Berchmans will make its journey from Belgium to Shreveport, Louisiana. In the twelve days that follow, we will celebrate with pilgrims from all over the world the life of this pure and holy saint. To commemorate this event, join us December 8 – 18, 2016 for liturgies, guest speakers, opportunities for veneration,
exhibit of relics and memorabilia and much more!
