Community Corner
Thousands Flock to Montclair Exhibit to Pray Before 200 Sacred Relics
Event Featured Holy Artifacts of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Many More
MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Approximately 3,500 people, hailing from places as distant as Maine and Maryland, converged upon Montclair to venerate nearly 200 sacred relics linked to Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, and numerous other religious figures exhibited on February 24. The event took place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory (OLMC), part of the Archdiocese of Newark.
After waiting in a line that stretched over two blocks, devoted visitors explored an expansive exhibit featuring authenticated artifacts, including a fragment of the True Cross and a portion of the Virgin Mary’s veil. Many individuals pressed personal items against the reliquaries — thereby transforming them into third-class relics suitable for personal prayer at home — while others raised photos of loved ones to symbolically entrust them to the religious figures’ care. Afterward, all were welcomed into the church to pray and participate in the oratory’s afternoon Mass.
“I was happy to see so many people from New Jersey, New York, and all over because this is a great opportunity to learn more about the saints,” said Father Giandomenico Flora, OLMC’s rector, who heard confessions from exhibit guests throughout the afternoon. “The saints were people like us, but with the help of God, they were able to do so much. We should all answer God’s call to holiness like they did because then we’ll find joy and peace in life. It’s not about what you have, it’s about what you do.”
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The relics were provided by Joseph Santoro, the International Crusade for Holy Relics’ (ICHR) regional delegate to the U.S. Santoro has acquired about 400 holy objects over approximately two decades in support of the ICHR’s mission of preserving relics and promoting their veneration. Now that this event has concluded, Santoro is planning a second exhibition at OLMC this fall featuring more of his collection. He also hopes to provide additional veneration opportunities at other locations.
For more information about Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory, visit www.olmcmontclair.org. And to watch a video about the relics exhibit, see below:
