Pilgrims Gather in Montclair for Unique Religious Exhibit
MONTCLAIR, N.J. – An impressive crowd of approximately 3,500 people from as far as Maine and Maryland gathered in Montclair on February 24 to venerate nearly 200 sacred relics. The event, hosted by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory, part of the Archdiocese of Newark, attracted devotees to an expansive exhibit that featured relics linked to Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, and other religious figures.
Visitors, enduring a wait in a line that extended over two blocks, were presented with the opportunity to explore authenticated artifacts. Among these were a fragment of the True Cross and a portion of the Virgin Mary’s veil. Participants engaged deeply with the relics, some pressing personal items against the reliquaries to create third-class relics for prayer at home, while others raised photos of loved ones in a symbolic gesture of entrustment.
Father Giandomenico Flora, OLMC’s rector, expressed joy at the diverse turnout, emphasizing the educational aspect of the exhibit regarding the saints’ lives and virtues. He highlighted the importance of striving for holiness in everyday life, suggesting that such a pursuit leads to true joy and peace.
“I was happy to see so many people from New Jersey, New York, and all over because this is a great opportunity to learn more about the saints,” said Father Giandomenico Flora, OLMC’s rector, who heard confessions from exhibit guests throughout the afternoon. “The saints were people like us, but with the help of God, they were able to do so much. We should all answer God’s call to holiness like they did because then we’ll find joy and peace in life. It’s not about what you have, it’s about what you do.”
The exhibit was made possible by Joseph Santoro, a delegate of the International Crusade for Holy Relics, who has amassed about 400 holy objects over two decades. Following the success of this event, plans are already in motion for a second exhibition at OLMC in the fall, with aspirations to extend veneration opportunities to other locations.
For further details on Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory and its events, interested individuals can visit www.olmcmontclair.org.