# The veil of Mary and the power of relics
*2022-05-23*

> Bill Young shares his experience visiting an exhibit of sacred relics at St. Gregory's and reflects on a spiritual encounter with the Blessed Mother during Mass.

## Treasures of the Church

I recently visited an exhibit at St. Gregory's featuring sacred relics of the saints and treasures of the church, curated by Father Carlos Martins from the Vatican. The exhibit is incredible, featuring over 150 saints and 11 blessed, including a fragment of the original cross that Jesus died on and a piece of the veil of the Blessed Mother. 

While there, I learned about the different classes of relics. I brought my St. Joseph medal, and Father Carlos explained that when an object touches a first or second-class relic, it becomes a third-class relic. By touching my medal to the relics, it now carries that spiritual connection. I highly recommend that anyone visiting the exhibit bring their rosaries or crosses to do the same.

## A Journey of Faith

Father Carlos Martins has a very inspiring story. Before becoming a priest, he was an atheist who didn't believe in God. It is a powerful reminder that God has ways of changing our hearts, whether someone is a non-believer or a lukewarm Catholic. 

For those who have fallen away from the sacraments, I want to emphasize that while a personal relationship with the Lord is wonderful, we still need the sacraments He gave us—especially Communion and Reconciliation. The saints and the Blessed Mother are there to help us believe and guide us back to the fullness of the faith.

## A Vision of the Blessed Mother

After visiting the exhibit on Friday, I attended Sunday Mass at St. David's Catholic Church. During the Gospel and the homily, I noticed a shadow behind the altar that looked clearly like a woman wearing a veil. Having just seen the fragment of Mary's veil at the exhibit, I felt strongly that this was a sign from the Blessed Mother. Even when I approached for Communion, the shadow was still there. It was a beautiful, affirming experience that reminded me that God and Mary often have plans for us that we don't expect.

## Consecration to the Immaculate Heart

In honor of these experiences and our devotion through the Legion of Mary, we performed an Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this prayer, we commit ourselves to interior conversion, the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary, and obedience to the law of God. We also pledge our unity with the Holy Father and the bishops to protect the foundations of the Church against the distractions and atheism of the modern world.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We concluded our time by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. This prayer is a powerful plea for God's mercy upon the whole world, offered through the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the sorrowful passion of Christ, we trust in His infinite mercy to heal and save souls.

*God often provides us with signs, through relics or spiritual encounters, to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to the sacraments and the intercession of the Blessed Mother.*