St. John Paul II’s
Relic Yatra Meet
Attendees: Approximately 300 to 350 participants, including staff and students
Event Overview:
The Department of Christianity, in collaboration with Jesus Youth India, organized the St. John Paul II’s Relic Yatra Meet at St. Philomena’s College. This event was part of the JaaGOYatra initiative, marking the National Conference JaaGo 2023 which is scheduled to be held between 21-24 October, 2023. The initiative involved an intercession journey spanning the entire length and breadth of India, commencing from Arunachal Pradesh and concluding in Bangalore.
Event Highlights:
The relic arrived at the College Chapel at 11:25 AM, brought by Mrs.Swapna Joseph, the Coordinator of Jesus Youth Mysore zone. Reverend Father Praveen K Gregory, the Campus Administrator of St. Philomena’s College, received the relic and led a short procession into the chapel.
Mr. Joel J, the Head of the Department of Christianity, delivered an introductory keynote speech highlighting the significance of the relic yatra.
Rev. Fr. Christopher, the Assistant Rector, provided detailed information on the different types of relics present in the Catholic Church. He explained the categorization of relics into three main grades:
First-Grade Relics: These are typically the physical remains of a saint or a piece of an object directly associated with Jesus Christ, such as a fragment of the True Cross, a piece of the Crown of Thorns, or a strand of hair from a saint. First-class relics are highly revered and are often kept in ornate containers known as reliquaries.
Second-Grade Relics: Second-class relics are objects that have come into contact with a first-class relic. For example, a piece of cloth that has touched the bones of a saint or a container that held a first-class relic can be considered a second-class relic.
Third-Grade Relics: These are items that have been touched to a first-class or second-class relic. They are typically small pieces of cloth or paper that are touched to the actual relic or relic container and then distributed to the faithful as a token of the relic’s blessing. Third-class relics are the most common type.
Following this informative session, Rev. Fr.Praveen led a brief intercessory prayer service and invited the gathering to come forward to receive the blessing and kiss the relic.
Dr. Bernard Prakash Barnis, the Rector of St. Philomena’s educational institutions, gave the final blessing to the gathering, marking the conclusion of the event. A small procession was held, and the relic was handed over to the Jesus Youth Mysore team.
Conclusion:
The St. John Paul II’s Relic Yatra Meet at St. Philomena’s College was a spiritually significant event that provided attendees with the opportunity to learn about and venerate relics in the Catholic Church. It was a moment of reflection, prayer, and reverence, fostering a deeper connection to the faith and its rich traditions.
