Above: Monsignor David Brockman organizes relics for the altar at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral ahead of its dedication in 2017. File photo: NC Catholics.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral began its Lenten Mission this week with a focus on holiness inspired by the saints. The week-long endeavor invites the faithful to pray, learn and venerate sacred relics of 19 saints.
The mission, titled “Praying Holiness with the Saints,” features the cathedral’s ossuary — containing first class relics of 19 saints interred in the main altar — displayed for veneration. The visible presence of the relics is meant to help the faithful recall the saints’ earthly pilgrimage and seek their intercession for deeper conversion during Lent.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear reflections on several highlighted saints and to venerate the relics of these models of holiness. From a 15th-century Franciscan preacher to a modern Italian teenager devoted to the Eucharist, the saints and their relics serve as a powerful inspiration and reminder that saintliness is attainable in every age and state of life.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, Monsignor David Brockman, pastor and rector at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, remarked that the saints can be an ideal inspiration to challenge ourselves and our practices as we strive to better ourselves during Lent.
"Jesus’ journey into the desert represents to us what is to 'be stretched' by the Lord,” he said. "Jesus doesn’t need that, but we do. We need to be stretched by the Lord. Perhaps nowhere can we see that more clearly than in the lives of the saints.”
Each evening includes a reflection on a saint’s life, Evening Prayer and veneration of a relic:
- Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. — The life and example of St. Francis de Sales and other Salesian saints. Homilist: Father John Vedanyagam, M.S.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. — The witness of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as the “Little Flower.” Homilist: Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. — The lives of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Bernardino of Siena. Homilist: Deacon Brad Watkins.
- Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. — The example of St. Carlo Acutis. Homilist: Father Luke Rawicki, L.C.
The mission will culminate Sat., Feb. 28, at the 9 a.m. Mass, when relics of Saints Carlo Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati and Bernardino of Siena will be placed in reliquaries on either side of the sanctuary. They will remain there for public veneration through the Solemnity of the Epiphany on Jan. 4, 2027.