Mexico Cathedral to Receive Blessed John Paul II Relic
The reliquary, which will contain a vial of blood, will be housed in a life-size wax sculpture of John Paul II.
MEXICO CITY — The Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Mexico City will open its Holy Door on Feb. 9 to receive a first-class relic of Blessed John Paul II, as well as a painting and a skullcap used by the soon-to-be-canonized pope.
The ceremony will mark the beginning of the relic’s pilgrimage throughout the archdiocese in order to encourage the faithful to follow the April 27 canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII with deep devotion.
Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City will welcome the faithful before the Mass, after which a life-size wax sculpture of the “Pilgrim Pope” will be put on display.
The sculpture contains a reliquary in the form of a cross on its chest, where a vial containing blood from John Paul II will be kept for veneration by the faithful.
The archdiocese has organized a series of events to take place the week prior to the canonizations, including film festivals, art expositions and concerts, as well as a prayer vigil to be held April 25 at the cathedral.
John Paul II will be canonized with Blessed Pope John XXIII on April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday.
