Montclair Church Will Display Treasure Trove Of Religious Artifacts

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A “unique moment” will take place at a church in Montclair when more than 100 religious relics go on display this week.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory in Montclair will host the display from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 94 Pine Street. Learn more here.

Here’s what to expect, according to a news release from the Archdiocese of Newark:

“The event — which is presented by Joseph Santoro, the International Crusade for Holy Relics’ (ICHR) regional delegate to the U.S. — will include several authenticated artifacts related to the Passion of the Christ, such as a splinter from the True Cross and a particle from the crown of thorns. There will also be multiple other items connected to Jesus and His parents, like pieces from the Christ Child’s crib and the Virgin Mary’s veil. More recent religious figures will be represented as well, including hair from St. Pope John Paul II, a scarf of Mother Cabrini, and a scrap from the linen on which Blessed Carlo Acutis died.”

Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you plan on attending the event, the archdiocese said:

“Though visitors are restricted from physically touching these objects, they are encouraged to place personal possessions against the reliquaries surrounding each relic. This act transforms those objects into third-class relics that can be prayed with at home. Those who do not have appropriate items to bring are welcome to purchase rosaries and other pieces at OLMC for a nominal fee. Everyone is encouraged to hold photos of loved ones against the glass, too, as that will symbolically entrust them to the religious figure’s care.”

According to the archdiocese, all pieces featured in the exhibit come from the collection of Santoro, who has accrued nearly 400 holy artifacts in support of the ICHR’s mission of preserving relics and promoting their veneration. Many were purchased through online auctions in an effort to prevent the relics from being acquired by private buyers (the Catholic Church prohibits the sale of sacred objects). However, most were donated by priests, shrines, the Vatican, and others interested in sharing relics with the public.

The Rev. Giandomenico Flora, rector of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory, said the event will be a “unique moment” for the church.

“The exhibit] will give opportunities for you to connect with many of your most revered saints,” Flora said.

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