Relics will come to Utah for special healing Mass

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PRICE — A special healing Mass at Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish will offer the faithful an opportunity to venerate a relic of the True Cross and the relics of several saints, and also view an authenticated copy of the Shroud of Turin from the Basilica of Superga in Turin.

“This healing Mass is an opportunity for the faithful to encounter the Lord’s grace in a profound way,” said Fr. Arokia Dass David, the parish pastor. “Many people today carry burdens – physical, emotional, or spiritual – and this Mass is a place where they can come seeking the Lord’s healing and peace.”

Citing Matthew 11:28, Fr. Dass David said that “through the intercession of the saints and the power of the Eucharist, we trust that God’s mercy will be at work in the lives of all who attend.”

Fr. Dass David has been offering healing Masses for some time at the parish; he also serves as the chaplain for the English-speaking Charismatic Renewal effort in the diocese.

Bringing the sacred relics to his parish came about through the efforts of Father Donald Hope, a retired diocesan priest who lives in East Carbon, Fr. Dass David said.

Fr. Hope was pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish from 2002 to 2015.

Among the relics that will be presented are a relic of the True Cross, “which comes with its authentication certificate, ensuring its legitimacy,” Fr. Dass David said. There also will be relics of St. Pius X, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (The Little Flower), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Meinrad of Einsiedeln; St. Gemma Galgani and St. John Henry Newman, among others.

“These holy objects serve as tangible reminders of our faith and the Real Presence of Christ in history and in our lives today,” Fr. Dass David said.

People who attend the Mass “can expect a deeply prayerful and reverent experience,” he added. “This healing Mass will include prayers for physical, emotional and spiritual healing, as well as a special blessing with the relic of the True Cross.”

Those who take the opportunity to venerate the relics will be able to “reflect on Christ’s Passion, and seek God’s healing power in their lives,” he said.

In today’s world, celebrating this type of Mass is important because “we live in times marked by uncertainty, suffering and fear,” he said. “Now more than ever, we need to be reminded that God is always with us.”

Bishop Oscar A. Solis designated Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church as one of the five Jubilee Year pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, “providing an opportunity for those who cannot travel to the Vatican or other holy places to come and receive spiritual graces, including plenary indulgences,” Fr. Dass David said. “Whether someone has been distant from their faith or is seeking renewal, this is a chance to encounter God’s mercy and healing.”

Those who attend the healing Mass should come with an open heart and expectant faith, he added. “Scripture reminds us that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8). The same Jesus who healed the sick and restored the brokenhearted walks among us today. Let this Mass be a time to surrender to his love and receive his healing touch.”

WHAT: Healing Mass featuring a relic of the True Cross, relics of several saints, and a copy of the Shroud of Turin

WHEN: Saturday, April 5, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the rosary. The Healing Mass will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Priests will be available for Confession during this time.

WHERE: Notre Dame Catholic Church, 210 N. Carbon Ave., Price

Following the Mass, the replica of the Shroud of Turin may be viewed and the relic of the True Cross venerated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 201 Center St., East Carbon City.