A little taste of heaven

By Anne DiBernardo - Florida Catholic

MIAMI | Although eyes cannot yet see the communion of saints in all their glory this side of heaven, Father Luis Largaespada, pastor of St. Hugh Parish, has artfully conveyed a glimpse of this splendor through his annual Sacred Relics Exposition and Veneration of more than 400 sacred relics that adorned the front of the altar at the parish in Coconut Grove from Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

The vision of brass reliquaries in various shapes and sizes, situated on multiple tiers of bright purple satin, decorated with lit candles and flowers, was described as breathtakingly beautiful and unexpected.

“It’s a beautiful experience to be there witnessing the faith of the people,” said Marcela Martinez De Torres, who volunteered with her husband, Jorge, over the weekend.

“Many cry, many show pure joy, and the children’s reaction is priceless. They hug the relics and although they don’t understand it, they feel it. It must be their innocent hearts that allow them to feel the presence of the saints in a special way. They get so excited and hug the saints with so much love. It’s just so beautiful!” Martinez De Torres said.

“Having access to the relics is a tangible reminder of the communion of saints. These saints are already enjoying the glory of heaven, and because they are in the presence of God, they intercede for us and they proclaim Christ's victory over death,” Father Largaespada said.

Over the weekend, which coincided with the feasts of All Saints Nov. 1, and All Souls Nov. 2, a steady stream of people lined up to select sacred relics from the catalog of saints for veneration. Some outward displays of devotion included hugging, kissing, and touching their religious medals to the first and second class relics. Many, who came seeking miracles and healing for various ailments, were brought to tears.

“It was simply breathtaking,” said Vicky Yardley, president of the Coral Springs Columbiettes. Yardley chartered a tour bus for her group of 60 to attend the event as part of a pilgrimage she organized after requesting permission from Father Largaespada to coordinate a special rosary and Mass on Nov. 2.

Karen Bonvecchio, a parishioner of St. Hugh, has been assisting Father Largaespada with organizing the annual event since its conception several years ago.  Through her active participation, she has witnessed the event attracting more people each year.

“They are not dead,” Bonvecchio said, noting that the event makes real and visible the reality of the communion of saints. “The idea of the power of saints to intercede for us is growing.”

Among the relics exposed were pieces of the True Cross, small relics of the veil of Our Blessed Mother, pieces of bones of great saints and of recent saints of the 20th century, including St. Padre Pio, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. John Paul II, all duly authenticated by letters and seals from the competent authorities.

There are many testimonies of graces received, even healings, not only through the veneration of the relics, but also through contact with the blessed oil made from the petals of the flowers used in the previous year's exposition. Father Largaespada shared the story of a man who was confined to a wheelchair who recovered and was able to walk after using the oil for several days. The oil is offered to the community each year at the time of the exposition for a small donation to help with the expenses.

Father Largaespada shared his experience with another alleged miracle that occurred last year, after a terminally ill man was physically healed by the intercession of Blessed Jose Gregorio Hernandez. The healing was shared at an exposition of the Blessed's first-class relic at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Doral. The event is under investigation in Rome as part of the canonization process.

TREASURES OF THE CHURCH

Father Largaespada, who has a great devotion to the saints, began rescuing relics as a seminarian in 2000 after receiving his first relic from a priest. He found that other priests were not familiar with the relics, so he started a collection, which now includes more than 400 sacred relics. He is also the guardian of the relics for the Archdiocese of Miami, and they are exposed to the veneration of the faithful every year, around the Feast of All Saints, an event he began when he became pastor of St. Hugh in 2017. Visitors to St. Hugh also have the opportunity to venerate relics in the parish’s chapel.

The term relic comes from the Latin reliquiae, which means “remains of the dead.” In Church terms, it refers to the remains of a holy person or something that belongs to them. There are three categories of relics: A first-class relic is all or part of the physical remains of a saint, such as a piece of bone, a vial of blood, a lock of hair, or even a skull or incorrupt body. A second-class relic is any item that the saint used frequently (clothing, for example). A third-class relic is any item that touches a first or second-class relic. The relics exposed at St. Hugh are mostly first and second class.

It's important to note that relics are the physical body of the saint and the property of the Church. Father Largaespada shared that a parish once had a relic of the True Cross in a corner of the church, where it was not visible. After expressing his concern, the pastor gave the relic to Father Largaespada, but only after the customary practice of officially transferring the relic through an authorized process known as alienation. As with all relics that belong to the Church, the local ordinary must grant permission so they know where they will be at all times.

Father Largaespada offered guidance to members of the faithful in possession of a first-class relic, emphasizing that the relic should be assessable and placed on a home altar, not where it collects dust.

The sentiment should be: “Holiness is present in my house,” as opposed to viewing it as a piece of jewelry or a sign of superstition. The faithful are encouraged to light a candle and even make a novena on the saint’s feast day.

Another practice is to inform family members in advance if a relic is going to be part of a family estate, to ensure that it is properly cared for or donated to a church rather than ending up in a box of items going to Goodwill, for example.

While the Church’s Canon Law forbids the sale of relics (1190.1), it is a noble practice to rescue relics when they are seen in antique stores or thrift shops, for the purpose of venerating them and saving them from the marketplace. The relic must be protected, venerated, and preserved.

Sacred relics also remind us that we too are called to rejoice in God's presence in heaven. “It is very moving to be able to connect with a visible reminder of your favorite saint. I have seen people cry when they touch the relic,” Father Largaespada said.

The relics have been displayed in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Miami and are available to any parish that would like to host a similar event.