In preparation for these two feasts, we had the opportunity to go to a relic exhibit called "Treasures of the Church". Here's what their website has to say about this incredible display:
Treasures of the Church is a ministry of evangelization of the Catholic Church. Run by Fr. Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross, its purpose is to give people an experience of the living God through an encounter with the relics of his saints in the form of an exposition. Each exposition begins with a multi-media presentation on the Church's use of relics that is scriptural, catechetical, and devotional, leading to a renewal of the Catholic faith for many people. After the teaching those in attendance have an opportunity to venerate the relics of some of their favorite saints.After Father's very interesting talk, we all went to the school gym to pray with and venerate the relics of 167 different Saints. There were relics from the True Cross, the Blessed Mother's Veil, St. Joseph and all of the Apostles. Some of my other favorites were St. Maria Goretti, St. John Paul II, St Ignatius of Loyola (one of my favorite Saints!!) and Blessed Zelie and Louis Martin.
I spent most of the time walking through the exhibit with Mr 9 yo. He was FASCINATED by all of this. His mission was to touch his Miraculous Medal to every single one of the reliquaries. We did manage to accomplish his goal! Along the way we had some very interesting conversations. Like this one:
Mr 9 yo: Oh, St. Clare! She's the one who held up the tabernacle when the army was coming to get them.
Me: Well, it was a monstrance, but yes, you're right.
Mr 9 yo: Yeah, I guess a tabernacle would be kind of heavy to lift up.
And this one:
Mr 9 yo: Oh, St. Therese! I really wanted to see her relic.
Me: You know this is like the one we have at home?
Mr 9 yo: We should have brought ours. Hey! What if we brought ours and then touched it to this relic of her. Do you think something would have happened??
Me: You mean like sparks or something?
Mr 9 yo: Yeah! We should totally go get it!
Man, I love that kid! The things that go on in his brain are, well, things I could just never make up! He was so excited to leave there knowing his medal is a 3rd class relic 167 times over.
When we went into the gym, Father had told us to listen for the one particular Saint that was "calling" to us. I'm not sure I heard much other than Mr 9 yo and his chattering the whole time, but I felt the most emotion when I venerated the relics of St. Joseph, the Blessed Mother and Bl. Zelie and Louis Martin.
I prayed for so many people that night. It was so incredible to place family and friends before such powerful Saints and to beg their intercessions for healings and peace.
If you EVER get the chance to see this exhibit...RUN, don't walk to it. It was truly a blessed event and a wonderful way to prepare for these two days.
God Bless!
