Overflow crowd at St. Francis de Paula comes to see "Treasures of the Church"

A packed sanctuary came out to St. Francis de Paula in San Diego to learn about relics.

Photos by Father James Farfaglia

Father Carlos Martins

Last night, November 28, 2022, Father Carlos Martins, a Vatican-appointed expert on relics, presented an extraordinary Vatican collection of over 150 relics, some as old as 2,000 years, at St. Francis de Paula in San Diego.  Among the treasures was a portion of the Veil of Our Lady and one of the largest remaining pieces of the True Cross in the world. 

"Treasures of the Church" is a ministry of evangelization of the Catholic Church.  Directed by Father Martins, its purpose 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.  The exposition began with a multi-media presentation on the Church’s use of relics that is scriptural, catechetical, and devotional, leading to a renewal of the Catholic faith for many people.

Attendees were able to examine and venerate each relic, including those of St. Joseph, 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. Throughout history, many healings have been worked in the presence of relics; and thousands have occurred through this ministry, Father James Farfaglia, pastor at St. Francis de Paula said.

Those attending were also encouraged to bring their articles of devotion (such as rosaries, holy cards, etc.) and pictures of ill friends and family members, which they were able to touch to the reliquaries as a means of intercession. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Father Farfaglia said.

The exposition had 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 supreme highlight was 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.

"The veneration of relics is a communion with the heroes of our Christian faith, asking for their powerful intercession," Father Martins explained. "Many people have reported outstanding blessings and conversions through this ministry, and many have reported healings."

Before the presentation, participants could attend Mass at 5:30 p.m., and visiting priests heard confessions and remained throughout the evening.