Display features pieces of Jesus’ Cross and veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary Just days after celebrating the Resurrection of Christ, the faithful have the opportunity to venerate the sacred remains of the Church’s heroes. Father Carlos Martins, CC, a Custos Reliquiarum (ecclesiastically-appointed curate of relics), will return to West Virginia this April, with an exhibit of more than 150 relics* of saints canonized by the Catholic Church. It is highlighted by one of the largest remaining relics of the True Cross in the world, as well as a piece of the veil that is believed to have belonged to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Martins begins each exposition with a 60-minute presentation and teaching on relics which provides the catechetical and spiritual basis for the Walk with the Saints that follows the talk. The point of the teaching is the presentation of the basic Gospel message of Jesus Christ: that God is here right now and wants to be encountered; He touches us through the lives and the sacred remains of His saints. “God never disappoints … he always ‘shows up,’” remarks Fr. Martins. “There are healings at every exposition. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands, have been reported to me. Spectacular ones. Attendees have reported cancer, heart disease, tumors, osteoporosis, physical deformities, etc., disappear immediately and completely.” Though a great number of miracles have been physical (his website lists a sample of these), he admits that the most spectacular is the healing of faith where a new and deeper relationship with God and His saints are formed in the faithful. “It is a most wonderful thing to see a parish, school, or prison renewed after an exposition. That is the basis for this ministry’s existence.” Standing-room-only crowds are typical at each location he visits. Invitations from bishops and pastors desiring to host an exposition regularly pour into his office. “Many who attend the expositions experience a renewal of faith and are deeply moved by their encounters with these treasures of the Church,” remarks Cardinal Raymond Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, who has had over 50 expositions in his diocese alone, adds, “As models and intercessors, the saints are our benefactors, aiding us with the example of their lives and by their prayers, something that
[Fr. Martins] has worked hard to instill in every Catholic.” Since converting from atheism 18 years ago, Father Martins has amassed a collection of relics numbering several thousand through his ministry Treasures of the Church. He tours the world with the collection that includes St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”), St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ignatius Loyola, and St. Faustina Kowalska. See www.treasuresofthechurch.com for an up-to-date listing of exposition times and locations. Admission is free. Pastors and principals: requests for expositions can be made via the web site. The locations and times of the current scheduled expositions are as follows: Wednesday April 15 at 7:00 pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church Brown & Third Streets Thomas, West Virginia 26292 (304) 463-4488 Thursday April 16 at 7:00 pm St. Brendan Church RR 4 Elkins, West Virginia 26241 (304) 463-4488 Friday April 17 at 7:00 pm Immaculate Conception Church 126 E. Pike St. Clarksburg, West Virginia 26301 (304) 622-8243 Saturday April 18 at 6:15 pm (following the 5:00 pm Mass) St. John University Parish 1481 University Avenue Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 (304) 296-8231 Sunday April 19 at 7:00 pm St. Joseph the Worker Church 229 California Avenue Weirton, West Virginia 26062 (304) 723-2054 Monday April 20 at 7:00 pm St. Michael Church 1225 National Road Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 (304) 242-1560 Tuesday April 21 at 7:00 pm St. John the Evangelist Church 3745 Tallman Avenue Bellaire, Ohio 43906 (740) 676-0051 *Note: The Catholic tradition of venerating relics is similar to a family continuing to cherish the belongings of a relative that died. It’s a sign of respect, of nearness or remembrance. Veneration of relics is not worship, but simply a way to honor and draw near to the saints, petitioning for their prayers, since they are believed to be so close to God (Wisdom 3:1).