PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — When Saints John and Paul Church in Franklin Park opened its doors, there was already a line of faithful Catholics eager to see and touch a sacred relic many believe has the power to heal .
At 1 p.m., the veneration of the arm of the first century saint began. THE sacred relic traveled from the Vatican to the Pittsburgh area.
Terry Krznar was at the head of a line that grew larger with each passing moment. She said her faith compelled her to be there, saying, “It’s not often we see these relics, so it means a lot to me.”
Krznar was one of many people waiting in line to see what the church says is part of Saint Jude’s arm. The relic was discovered by chance during a church renovation in Rome in the 19th century.
“They took the top off the altar and looked inside and saw this relic,” Father Joe Carr of St. Luke Evangelist Catholic Church told KDKA-TV’s Ross Guidotti.
Placed in a hand-carved reliquary, the sacred bones have remained in the Vatican until now. Father Carlos Martins, head of the relics pilgrimage, says this is a rare opportunity.
“This is the first time this relic has left Italy and it arrives at this time because Saint Jude is the patron saint of hope,” Martins said.
For the Catholic Church, this object is priceless, so much so that a strong security presence was present to guard it. Although it is considered sacred, Father Martins says a relic should not be venerated in itself.
“To venerate a relic is to take nothing away from the worship of God. Because we do not worship the relic, we highly exult it, we highly respect it,” Martins said.
But relics, including this one, are said to have healing and faith-strengthening powers.
Adrienne Marzka-Zillhaver says she is here for a pilgrimage and for any divine benefit that might result from the presence of Saint Jude’s arm.
“I’m praying for my son right now, who really needs a lot of prayer and a lot of help. Good or bad, whatever comes out of it, it’s for God’s will,” he said. she declared.
If you wish to see the relic or participate in the veneration, you have two options to go see it. Schedules are posted on the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh website and it is currently tour the country.
