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The relic pilgrimage was a gift for the Church in Canada at the close of our 150th anniversary year, bringing the famous relic of St. Francis Xavier to North America for the first time in generations. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venerate the incorrupt first class relic of one of the greatest missionaries and evangelists since St. Paul the Apostle.
We anticipated three particular extraordinary graces in this pilgrimage, all related to the charisms of St. Francis Xavier: (1) conversion of souls; (2) the raising up of missionary disciples who are abandoned to God’s will; and (3) healing. Our prayer was that—through this relic pilgrimage—you would have the unique opportunity to personally encounter the tender heart of Jesus.
The Archdiocese of Ottawa, the Jesuits in Canada and Catholic Christian Outreach collaborated to deliver this incredible opportunity to all Canadians. We partnered together so that many people would have the chance to encounter Jesus and be inspired to work together for the renewal of the world. There were events in 15 Canadian cities throughout January 2018.
We hoped for many extraordinary graces from God through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier during the Relic Pilgrimage. Did you have a remarkable experience from the relic? Please email relic@cco.ca
Support for the Relic Pilgrimage
Thank you to all the supporters of the St. Francis Xavier Relic Pilgrimage,
with a special thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their generous financial contribution.
Special Edition Grapevine
Relic Pilgrim Guide
We do not worship, we do not adore, for fear that we should bow down to the creature rather than to the Creator, but we venerate the relics of the martyrs in order the better to adore Him whose martyrs they are.”
—St. Jerome
Press Releases:
November 29, 2017
December 28, 2017
February 3, 2018
High quality photos of the relic can be found here.
Please credit all photos to Catholic Christian Outreach.
