As we prepare for All Saints Day, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity would like to highlight places where the relics of saints can be found by the people of God. Don Warden, Chief Operations Officer of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, shares insights on this pilgrimage place.
What saints have relics in the altar at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in the main chapel?
In the Chapel altar are Saints Digni and Justiniana.
What saints have been last added to the Reliquary in the oratory? How were they obtained?
Most recently we were gifted the relics of three Polish saints by Archbishop Metropolitan Mieczysław Mokrzycki of the Roman Catholic Church in Lviv, Ukraine. The relics include St. Pope John Paul II, St. Joseph Bilczewski and Blessed James of Strepar.
About how many relics are represented?
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion currently has the relics of 33 saints. Most are located in the Apparition Oratory and include the Relic of the True Cross, all of the Apostles and Evangelists, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Faustina, St. Patrick and many more. (See complete list.: National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion Relics) Blessed James of Strepar, whose feast day is celebrated October 20, is one of the last relics received. He was a Capuchin Franciscan living in what is now Ukraine. Read more about him.
Why are relics of saints important to this holy place?
Pilgrims come to Champion for a prayerful encounter with Our Blessed Mother and her son Jesus, often with intentions and requests for themselves or loved ones. The relics provide another opportunity to pray with the saints, maybe with a saint of their namesake or one who has patronage for the specific intention being requested. God often uses the relics of saints to work healing and miracles, which tells us the He wants to draw our attention to the saints as “models and intercessors”.
Article Comments:
Sr. Mary Macri 10/30/2024 @ 7:44 pm
The Basilica (minor) of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, CT, also has an impressive collection of relics. I don’t know the exact number but am pretty sure it’s more than 33, set beautifully in a glass enclosed shelved cabinet with lighted background. Rev. James Sullivan is the rector of the Basilica. I believe its worth looking into.
God bless you for all you do for His people.
Diane McHenry 10/31/2024 @ 7:53 am
I think this is beautiful. Thank you.