Treasures of the Church, a ministry of evangelization directed by Father Carlos Martins, recently visited several parishes in the archdiocese. The purpose of the ministry 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 began with a multi-media presentation on the Church’s use of relics that was scriptural, catechetical, and devotional, leading to a renewal of the Catholic faith for many people. After the teaching those in attendance had an opportunity to venerate the relics of some of their favorite saints.
The exposition involved more than 150 relics from every period of the Church’s history, including St. Joseph, the Twelve Apostles, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Maria Goretti, St. Thérèse of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”), St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope St. John Paul II, and Bl. Carlo Acutis.
The highlight is some of the largest remaining fragments of Wood from the True Cross (the Cross upon which Our Lord died) and a piece of the Veil worn by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Attendees were encouraged to bring their articles of devotion (such as rosaries, holy cards, etc.) and pictures of ill friends/family members which may be touched to the reliquaries as a means of intercessory prayer.
The ministry travels throughout the world by invitation. To date, it has been hosted in over 200 dioceses in various countries.
The exhibit was displayed, and presentations held at Holy Trinity Church, St. Brigid Church, St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Church, Our Lady of Grace Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Helotes, Sacred Heart Church in Uvalde, and St. Anthony Church in Elmendorf.