Manly has become the new home of one of the great saints of the 19th century, after Bishop Anthony Randazzo installed a relic of Saint John Vianney at the Church of Saint Mary Immaculate and Saint Athanasius, Manly.
Hundreds were packed into the church on Sunday evening for Mass and the Installation, as it became the new Shrine of Hope for Priests and Vocations in the Diocese of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Bishop Anthony was joined by Fr Chima Ofor, parish priest of Manly-Freshwater, Fr Sam French and Fr Marek Woldan, assistant priests of the parish, and other priests from across the Diocese.
The relic was processed into the church to begin the Mass, before being installed in a reliquary, where it will be housed for the remainder of the Jubilee Year.
The Mass was attended by local families, students and teachers from the local schools, and visitors from across the Diocese and beyond.
In his homily, Bishop Anthony said he hoped Saint John Vianney would serve as a model, not just for those discerning a vocation, but to all those who are to live a life of service to God.
“As the Curé d’Ars, Saint John Vianney dedicated his life to serving his people, especially through the sacrament of confession,” he said.
“He spent hours each day in the confessional, offering sinners the mercy and love of God. He was an instrument of God’s grace, a reflection of Jesus’ own love for humanity.
“Saint John Vianney was not just a man of prayer, but a man of action, sacrificing his own comfort, fasting, and praying for the conversion of souls. His humility and deep love for God and His Church are a powerful reminder to all of us of the importance of living out our vocation with faithfulness and devotion.”
Bishop Anthony said Saint John Vianney’s life spoke to the heart of the Christian journey.
“It is a life wrapped in humility, in the recognition that salvation comes through God’s grace and mercy. It is a life dedicated to the service of others, following Jesus’ example of love, sacrifice, and selflessness,” said Bishop Anthony.
“My sisters and brothers, the Curé d’Ars teaches us that no matter the obstacles or challenges we may face, with determination, faith, and trust in God, we can overcome them and fulfill the calling that God has placed on our lives.
“May the intercession of Saint John Vianney strengthen us in our faith, and may his example inspire all of us, especially our priests, to live lives of selfless service and unwavering devotion to God’s people.”
Following the Mass, the community gathered together for refreshments and to mingle with the Bishop.
Read Bishop Anthony Randazzo’s full homily here.