Today I visited an incredible shrine that held over 1200 relics, including first and second class relics of saints and even some pieces of the True Cross. I arrived in time for the tour and was the only one there, so it was a private tour. We went to the relic chapel first and the woman described some of the first class relics, which are pieces of the body of a saint, and second class relics, which are items that the saint touched. For example, there was a second class relic of the cloak of St. Joseph. The story is that after his death, Mary held onto his coat to remember him. It can seem strange to keep parts of bodies, but the practice goes way back to Jewish tradition. They kept the bodies of some of their elders and carried them to be buried in the Promised Land. It was a way of showing respect, reverance, and to help them remember. Many of the bodies of the early saints were retrieved after they were martyred and brought to safe places. Some were rescued from catacombs that were being destroyed. The faithful wanted to remember and honor those who went before them. Relics go through an investigation process and are sealed and have accompanying papers that authenticate it. I had many questions for the tour guide. The first was where did all the relics come from. She said the priest who founded the church there enjoyed collecting relics and brought them over from Europe when he was asked to come minister to the immigrants in the area. He continued to acquire them and as time went on, people knew that this chapel was a sacred place that relics would be cared for. Those who were looking for a safe place for their relics would bring them there. The tour and history of the place was fascinating. There was an additional chapel for Mass and Eucharist Adoration. Outside there were statues, Stations of the Cross, a grotto and shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes. After the tour I went back into the Relic Shrine where I could feel the holiness and peace. I prayed for everyone I could think of and all their intentions. My tour guide came in and offered to get out the relic of the True Cross, which I was very excited for. She let me hold it and I suddenly became overwhelmed. It was a feeling that is hard to explain, powerful yet peaceful. I handed the large, ornate case – reliquary – back to the woman and thanked her. As I sat back down, I knew I could stay there for hours, but realized I needed to continue my drive. I had several hours to go before arriving at my cousin’s house and didn’t want to drive in the dark. I prayed about it and realized that God can do anything with time, even turn back the clock if He wanted to. Eventually I got back in the car and started my drive. It wasn’t long before I went across a time zone and time literally went back one hour. I laughed and thanked God.

I Found God today being surrounded by holiness.