Would you like to see the rib and skin of Anthony of Padua, a 13th century Portuguese friar?
Even though they’re not everyone’s spiritual cup of tea, millions are drawn to revering “relics,” which consist of the physical remains of a saint or venerated person in Buddhism, Hinduism, shamanism or Christianity. These preserved body parts are associated with healing, prayer and even miracles.
British Columbians who might be inspired by Roman Catholic relics will get the chance from Oct. 5 to Oct. 12 to witness the “floating rib” and “layers of skin” of Anthony, who is also known as the patron saint of “lost items.”
Held up by Pope Francis, St. Anthony’s coffin was opened decades after his death. High-level church witnesses noticed his “vocal apparatus was found to be intact, and in particular, his tonque was still soft and red,” says a news release from Father Mario Conte.
Anthony’s relics, which have already been on tour in South America and elsewhere, will go on display at eight Metro Vancouver Catholic parishes, starting Wednesday Oct. 5th at Our Lady of Sorrows in Vancouver and ending on Oct. 12th at St. Anthony’s parish in West Vancouver.
There are more than 400,000 Catholics in Metro Vancouver, with large contingents of Filipinos, Chinese and Vietnamese.
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Here is the Vancouver schedule:
St Anthony of Padua
