Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and St. Rose,
A couple of weeks ago I wrote regarding the visit to our diocese of the heart of Saint John Vianney.  This past weekend I actually was in Jefferson City to attend that event.    
      I must tell you that I was not prepared for the outpouring of grace that I experienced.  The first event of the day was a Mass on Saturday morning.  There must have been five hundred people in attendance!  The Mass was absolutely beautiful: the music was sung with great spirit; during the homily the people were engaged and laughed at the quips delivered by Msgr. Kurwicki; as people approached for Holy Communion there was such a spirit of reverence. 
At the end of Mass the Blessed Sacrament was placed on the altar in the monstrance. A hush of awe and devotion came over the congregation as they fell to their knees before our Lord.  The relic of the saint was placed in the chapel.  A line formed for the veneration of the relic and a line formed on the other side of the cathedral for the Sacrament of Penance.  That was at about 9:00am.
Two hours later when I took a turn for hearing confessions, both lines were still very long.  I was totally amazed at the number of people in attendance.  I was also touched by the prayerfulness, devotion, and the feeling of hope that I encountered. It was as if I could feel the presence of Saint John Vianney and through him the love of Jesus pouring out.  It was incredible!
At the very beginning of the day before Mass began, about six of us priests were in the sacristy with the relic.  We were able to venerate the relic, pray, and even touch to the relic rosaries and holy cards.
Right as Mass was to start, Msgr. Kurwicki was holding the relic of the heart to process in and he walked up to me and said, “Press his heart against yours.”  I did so, and prayed that I would be renewed in priestly zeal, show a greater love for Jesus and serve the people of Kirksville more faithfully as your priest. So you see, in my article two weeks ago, I said I was going to have a heart to heart talk with Saint John Vianney. . .and I did!
Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Saint John Vianney, grant that your priests will be inspired to strive for holiness by the power of his example.  As men of prayer, may they ponder your word, follow your will, and faithfully lead the flocks you have entrusted to their care.
Msgr. Cox