During March, several parishes in the Diocese of Raleigh will offer a unique opportunity to observe and venerate pieces of the wood from Jesus’ cross and many other important sacred relics.
The Treasures of the Church traveling exposition includes a number of mostly first-class relics of saints, including St. Francis of Assisi, the apostles, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as a piece of the true cross and of a veil that belonged to Mary, and provides an opportunity to experience the history of our Catholic faith and to seek intercession and healing in a special way. Treasures of the Church is operated by Father Carlos Martin, a Vatican-appointed expert who will be giving a talk about the relics before the veneration.
The exhibit travels throughout North America by invitation and will visit North Carolina this March. Three years ago, Alex E. Hill, director of music and liturgy at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, had the opportunity to see the Sacred Treasures Relics exhibition when it visited St. Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington.
“There was a presentation in the main church, then we all lined up to view the exhibit in the parish hall, and I was stunned,” he said. “I did not expect to see so many relics, many of which were of great antiquity. I learned more about the importance of the Communion of Saints and how these holy relics and the saints can have a direct impact on my spiritual life.
“This exhibit is perfect for anyone, from older children to adults. Children can gain much from seeing this, I believe, especially if their parents have given them some prior instruction about the saints and about relics. Anyone who desires to increase their faith in Jesus Christ and love of the Church -- and who wouldn't? -- should see this exhibit.”
Besides first-class relics consisting of fragments of saints’ bone, hair or other body tissue, the exposition features six second-class relics, which are items or fragments of saints’ possessions. Third-class relics are items that a saint touched or that have been touched to a first, second or another third-class relic. Those in attendance will be able to examine and venerate each relic.
Through the ancient Church practice of relic veneration, exposition organizers hope the faithful experience the living God.
Treasures of the Church will be on display in these five parishes on the following dates (view on calendar for full details):
March 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
804 High House Rd., Cary, NC 27513
March 15, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
St. Luke Catholic Church
12333 Bayleaf Church Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614
March 16, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
520 W Holding Ave., Wake Forest, NC 27587
March 17, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Church
2811 Poole Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27610
March 19, 2022, 1 p.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
2718 Overbrook Dr., Raleigh, NC 27608
For more information, contact host parishes or visit treasuresofthechurch.com.