Herald Malaysia
PENANG – The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit marked a memorable occasion on Oct 5, with the solemn reception of the relics of St Elena Guerra and St Carlo Acutis.
The Mass began with two parishioners carrying the reliquaries in procession, accompanied by altar servers, Deacon Andrew Loh, and celebrant Fr Raymond Raj. The reliquaries were placed before the baptismal font, signifying the sacred presence of the saints, before Fr Raymond proceeded to greet and welcome the congregation.
Deacon Andrew then read letters authenticating the relics. The first, from Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, verified the relic of St Carlo Acutis — a lock of his hair preserved in a sealed golden case. The second letter, written by Dr Paolo Vilotta, Postulator of the Causes of Saints, confirmed the authenticity of the relic of St Elena Guerra — a sacred bone fragment similarly enclosed and sealed.
In his homily, Fr Raymond reflected on the nature of faith, emphasising that it is “not a feeling but a conviction that God is always in control.” Quoting St Thomas Aquinas, he said, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
He urged the faithful to “put God first and trust in Him,” adding that when God takes first place in one’s life, “everything else falls into place — bringing clarity, peace, and purpose.” Concluding his reflection, he reminded the congregation that “without faith, no one can impress God.”
During the Prayer of the Faithful, the congregation prayed, “May the sacred relics of St Elena Guerra and St Carlo Acutis inspire us to grow in our faith as we seek their intercession to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit and to treasure the Holy Eucharist.”
Following the parish announcements, Fr Raymond led the Litany and prayers to both saints and explained the three classes of relics:
• First-class relics: Physical remains of a saint.
• Second-class relics: Objects personally used or worn by a saint.
• Third-class relics: Items that have touched first- or second-class relics.
He informed parishioners that third-class relics would be distributed to those coming forward to venerate and encouraged them to keep the relics reverently at their home altars.
After the final blessing, Fr Raymond and Deacon Andrew venerated the relics before inviting the faithful to do likewise. Guided by the hospitality ministers, parishioners approached reverently to venerate the relics — a profound experience for many, lasting nearly 30 minutes.
The reliquaries were then solemnly carried in procession to the chapel, where they are now displayed for ongoing prayer and devotion.
For many, this was a first encounter with the veneration of relics — a deeply moving celebration that strengthened faith and reminded all of the enduring communion between heaven and earth. – Vatican News
