Catholicism is a "gritty" religion according to George Weigel in the excellent "Letters to A Young Catholic". He means the intellectual, cultural and spiritual aspects of the faith are anchored by a tactile, real life center. Touching the glove of a Padre Pio, seeing the Shroud of Turin, bathing in the waters of Lourdes, these are things which can reach anyone in their heart, perhaps people that would fall asleep during a lecture on Thomistic philosophy. This is my way of introducing a pretty big thing here on Long Island -

The heart of St. John Vianney will be coming to Cure of Ars parish in Merrick, Long Island! From October 6th - 11th the incorrupt heart in a reliquary will be at the parish for veneration.

For those who just spit their coffee over the keyboard, please read the bulletin of the parish where the pastor explains why we venerate relics (PDF). Remember the amazing crowds when the relics of St. Therese of Liseux (about half her remains) came to New York? This could be as big.