“Profound.” “Reverent.” “Connective.” These are some of the words used to describe what parish pastors and faithful of the Diocese experienced upon venerating the relics of a Capuchin Franciscan saint of the 20th century known not only for bearing the stigmata – the wounds of Christ in his hands, feet and side – but also his deep faith.
Attending Masses as well as viewing, praying before and holding reliquaries housing relics of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, hundreds of participants encountered five first- and second-class relics of the Italian saint that came to parishes under the sponsorship of the Saint Pio Foundation.
Their presence was made possible through a special request by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. The first three parishes of the Diocese hosted the relics: St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown, June 15-16; St. Joseph, Toms River, June 20; and St. Paul, Princeton, June 27.
“It’s been a great honor having the relics of Padre Pio here at St. Paul,” said Father Christopher Dayton, St. Paul pastor. “I’ve been so happy to see so many parishioners, visitors and especially families coming here to spend some time in prayer.”
“Padre Pio’s reputation as a miracle worker and a source of inspiration is undeniable,” said Father Oscar Sumanga, pastor of St. Anthony Parish. “The opportunity to host relics in our parish is a tremendous blessing for our community. Knowing the profound impact it would have on our parishioners, I didn’t hesitate to volunteer our church.”
“We find our way to Christ via many roads,” said Father G. Scott Shaffer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish. “I think there’s something about our need and desire to connect, especially in a society where we’re getting more and more isolated … We find ourselves being drawn to community, connection to our God. … I think devotions, including relics, may help draw people draw closer.”
A first-class relic is a portion of the saint’s remains – bone, blood or flesh – while a second-class relic is a non-bodily object the saint owned or used. A third-class relic may be something the saint has touched or may be created by touching an object to a first or second class relic.
Dating from the beginnings of the Catholic Church, veneration of relics is an act of honor and not of worship. Churches were often built over the remains of Christian martyrs and current saints, and the Second Council of Nicea decreed that a first-class relic of a martyr or saint be installed in every altar of sacrifice in a Catholic church.
A woman touches an object to one of the relics of St. Pio during the event hosted June 27 in St. Paul Church, Princeton.
Parishes planning to host St. Pio Relics:
Aug. 10-11 Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, at Holy Family Church, 1139 E. County Line Rd., Lakewood – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. veneration and 12 p.m. Mass on Aug. 10; veneration 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 11
Aug. 23 St. Veronica Parish, 4219 Hwy. 9 North, Howell – 11 a.m. Mass; 12-6 p.m. veneration; 6 p.m. conversation “Encountering St. Pio” by Julia Calandra
Sept. 7 St. Ann Parish, 311 Carr Ave., Keansburg – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., details to come
Other Saints’ relics:
St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park, will host first class relics of three 20th century saints: Maria Faustina Kowalska, Maximillian Kolbe and Pope John Paul II:
Aug. 10-11 St. Catharine of Siena Church, 50 E. St., Seaside Park
Aug. 17-18 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 100 Grant Ave., Seaside Heights – Mass times in each location TBA; call parish office, 732-793-0041