KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — East Tennessee Catholics had a rare chance to see an historic relic on Thursday.
The heart of Saint John Vianney was on display at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville as part of its pilgrimage across the United States.
Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests. Before his death in 1859, he encouraged faith and bringing people back to the church.
His heart is considered a major relic -- and began touring the U.S. in 2018 to connect Catholics and bring them home to their faith.
"We don't pray to saints, we pray to God. But we believe that holy people are in the presence of God. It's like elbowing a friend to get a job. In this case we pray through the saint, with the saint to honor God," said Bishop Richard Stika
There were a couple of masses on Thursday to mark the occasion, and the faithful were welcome to come to the cathedral for prayer and reflection.
The heart relic will remain at the cathedral until 8 p.m.