Relic of Pope John Paul II in city till Easter

Talking about the relic,Father John Kannikairaj,Assistant Parish Priest,St Ignatius Church,Khadki,said: “The relic has been distributed by the Vatican to countries across the world and this is the only one in India and has come to Pune for the first time. The blood was taken from the Holy Father’s body,when it was exhumed for the process of beatification,prior to him becoming Blessed Pope John Paul II. This was then distributed to countries across the world. The thought that goes into the process is that since the Holy Father was a pure soul,his blood will enable the faithful across the world to deepen their faith.”

The beatification of Pope John Paul II was completed in May 2011.

Beatification is the process prior to canonisation of any person. After this,the word ‘Blessed’ is prefixed to the name of the person. After canonisation,the person is declared a saint.

The Papal Nuncio had presented the relic to Bishop Dabre during the installation of the statue of Pope John Paul II in January this year. “The statue was installed as a commemoration of the visit of Pope John Paul II to India in 1986,when he had also travelled to Pune. The relic will be kept at the Bishop’s House in Pune till Easter,after which it will go back to Mumbai,” said Fr Kannikairaj.

While the Bishop was not available for comments,as he is currently in Hong Kong,Kannikairaj said: “The relic will stay in India. It is a representation of the values for which Blessed Pope John Paul II stood for. It has already visited parishes across the city since arriving here in January and will visit other parishes in the city too.”