Notre Dame Parish presents teaching, exposition of Sacred Relics, June 7
Wed, 06/06/2018 - 1:39pm
admin
By:
Sara Stromseth-Troy TPD Staff
CRESCO - Notre Dame Parish presents a teaching and exposition of Sacred Relics on Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross will teach about these holy objects. He will bring with him over 150 relics, some as old as 2,000 years.
Among the treasures will be relics of St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux (the “Little Flower"), St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Faustina Kowalska. In addition, there will also be present a portion of the veil of Our Lady, as well as one of the largest remaining pieces of the True Cross in the world.
Those in attendance will be able to examine and venerate each relic. In the Church’s history many miracles and healings have been worked in the presence of relics, and many have been healed through this ministry. The program presented by Father Carlos Martins begins at 7 p.m. in the Notre Dame Church. Relics will be on display after the program concludes. All are welcome.
Notre Dame Elementary School Lead Teacher Renee Cuvelier describes how the event came together:
“Thank goodness for David Meyer. Mr. Meyer had stopped into the Notre Dame Parish office one day this spring when I happened to be there. During his visit, he shared with me his experience with the Exposition of the Sacred Relics. He had been able to meet Father Carlos and see the actual relics on a recent trip. David shared photos and his story of this experience. The way he expressed his excitement at seeing the relics had me intrigued. He had shared the "Treasures of the Relics" website with me as well.
“Later that week, I spoke with (Notre Dame Parish Priest) Father Dennis Cain and raised the question, ‘Do you think that the Relics could ever come to Notre Dame?’ It was then we explored the Treasures of the Church Internet website. I filled out the form requesting an exposition to be held at Notre Dame. I didn't know what to expect. The Holy Spirit definitely intervened. Father Carlos Martins responded quite quickly with:
‘Dear Renee,
I normally book four years in advance. However, I will be in your areas in early June. Would something in early June work for you? ‘
“It just so happened that the relics would be traveling from Minnesota to Missouri in early June and Notre Dame was right on the path of Father Martins. Everything literally fell into place.”
Cuvelier said the relics hold special significance in the history of the Church:
“The relics are physical objects that have a direct association with the saints or with Our Lord. Scripture teaches that God acts through relics, especially in terms of healing. Members of the public who stop to view the relics should really hear Father Carlos first. The purpose of this event is to give people an experience of the living God through an encounter with the relics. The relics will be on display following Father Carlos' presentation. Everyone will take something different away from this experience.”
Cuvelier said non-Catholics are also welcome to attend the event.
“All are welcome. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.
Cuvelier said there is much to look forward to as the exposition comes to Cresco:
“My personal thoughts include the wish for anyone who is interested to please attend. Notre Dame Church may be crowded Thursday night, but it will be worth it. We are coming together as a community to take part in this incredible opportunity.”
She continues, “I am looking forward to seeing and touching all of the relics possible. The ones I look forward most include: the Crib of Our Lord; St. Francis of Assisi relic; Fragment of the Holy Crown of Thorns; the veil of Mary, Mother of God; Mother Teresa of Calcutta relic; and pieces of the True Cross."
She said, “I also look forward to seeing our community coming together in a great human experience. We will share an evening celebrating our faith.”
Reference information can be found at this website: http://www.treasuresofthechurch.com/ For more information about this event, please call Renée Cuvelier at 563-547-4513 or email rcuvelier@nd.pvt.k12.ia.us