Krakow, Poland, Jun 14, 2011 / 22:21 pm
A reliquary of Bl. Pope John Paul II’s blood has been placed in the altar of a new church in Krakow named for him.
Leading churchmen placed the relic in the new sanctuary of Bl. John Paul II in Krakow, the city where he rose from being a parish priest to archbishop.
Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow said in a Mass that the blood recalls the sacrifice John Paul II made in serving Christ when he was shot by a Turkish gunman in 1981.
He also invoked Pope John Paul II’s slogan “Be not afraid!”
Leading churchmen in attendance at the ceremony included apostolic nuncio Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Archbishop Kazimierz Nycz of Warsaw, Cardinal Franciszek Marcharski and Cardinal Stanslaw Nagy, according to the John Paul II Institute.
Other attendees included Polish officials from all levels of government. University leaders, students, youth leaders and teachers representing schools named for the late Pope also attended.
Archbishop Migliore said that the relics of saints are particularly important for Christians because they testify that not only the spirit but the body and all worldly life has its share in the holiness of God.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA