Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Arequipa (Agenzia Fides) – From September 25-27, the Archdiocese of Arequipa will have the relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, known as the “Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” on display. According to a statement sent from the Archdiocese to Fides, the objective of the event is to “reinforce community devotion to this Saint that, over the course of her life, reminded all God's children that holiness can be reached through small acts of love.”
The Mass of Reception of the relics will take place at the Cathedral at 7pm on September 25, presided by Archbishop Javier Del Rio Alva of Arequipa. The relics will remain in the Cathedral until Sunday afternoon, when Vicar Fr. Javier Cardenas Velarde will celebrate a Farewell Mass.
Along with the relics, conserved in a special urn, is also the Golden Rose presented by John Paul II on his visit to the Shrine of Paray-Le-Monial in France (October 5, 1986), where Jesus revealed the Saint His immense love for mankind, calling them to conversion and a veneration of His Heart, rich in mercy. During their stay in Arequipa, the relics will be venerated by members of the religious congregations, parishes, ecclesial movements and schools, as well as individual faithful, who will participate in the various liturgical celebrations scheduled: the Mass, Holy Hours, Liturgy of the Hours. (GT) (Agenzia Fides 23/9/2009)
