Two first class relics will be displayed in a Shrine to St John Paul II at St Patrick's Catholic Church, East Gosford on Saturday 22 October - the feast day of the former much loved Pope.
Strands of hair and blood will be placed in a reliquary near the altar during an Installation Mass expected to be attended by many hundreds of faithful including parishioners and those from communities on the Central Coast and the
greater Sydney area.
Most Rev Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, Bishop of Broken Bay, will celebrate the Mass. The Parish Priest, Fr Greg Skulski SDS will conconcelebrate along with a
number of priests from the Diocese and the leader of the Salvatorian Congregation, Fr George Kolodziej SDS.
The Mass, starting at 11.am, will be live-streamed and can be viewed here.
For those wishing to attend please see information details of the event here.
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“Everyone knows John Paul II: his face, his characteristic way of moving and speaking; his immersion in prayer, and his spontaneous cheerfulness. Many of his words have become indelibly engraved in our memories, starting with the passionate cry with which he introduced himself to the people at the beginning of his pontificate: ‘Open wide the doors to Christ, and be not afraid of him!’It is as though he would like to open the doors for Christ everywhere and wishes to open up to people the gate that leads to true life, to true love.” - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was the 264th Pope of the Catholic Church. From humble beginnings in occupied Poland during World War II, he went on to become the leader of the Church.
He is widely recognised as one of the most influential and inspiring figures of the 20th century, revered by both Christians and non-Christians.
Establishment of the Shrine
In January 2022, Father Greg Skulski, parish priest from Gosford Parish, approached Most Reverend Anthony Randazzo, Bishop of Broken Bay, seeking permission to obtain the first-class relic, with a vision to establish a shrine at St Patrick’s Church, East Gosford.
On Divine Mercy Sunday, 24 April 2022, Bishop Anthony announced the relic would be installed.
What is a Relic?
A relic is an object or article of special religious significance, normally related to a saint. It can be a physical remain of the saint or one of their personal effects. They are used as a memorial to the saint.
In the same way someone may keep things owned by a deceased relative or friends as a way of keeping a connection to them, relics help keep us connected to the saints and the inspiration of their lives.
They are divided into different classes. First Class Relics are relics which were an actual part of the saint, such as a limb, bone fragment or hair. Second Class Relics are something that was owned by the saint or used to torture a martyr. Third Class Relics are anything that have touched a First Class Relic.
Relics do not have “magic powers” but are often are associated with miracles, as people pray for the intercession of the saint whose relics are before them. They are a unique way to directly connect with saints who inspire us through their faith and miracles.
The Saint Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre
The Centre aims to be of service to the people of the Diocese of Broken Bay through the provision of what St Pope John Paul II described as “that mission of two gaining new impetus in Christian living, making it the force which inspires our journey of faith” [Novo Millennio Ineunte … On Entering the New Millennium, 2001].
A number of facilities are available for use, including a conference room, meeting rooms, a hospitality area and a display room exploring the life of Saint Pope John Paul II. These facilities seek to provide a variety of opportunities to help deepen people’s faith and educate the whole person; body, mind, spirit and heart. The Saint John Paul II Pastoral Centre commits to the calling to “Launch out into the deep” and to proclaim the Good News to all, young and old, lay and cleric.
The Centre is focused on pastoral development and renewal within the Central Coast and wider region of the Broken Bay diocese, with its facilities also available to external organisations.
There are many opportunities available for those interested in utilising the Centre and its facilities, including pilgrimages to the Relic of Saint Pope John Paul II installed in St Patrick’s Church. If interested, or to find more information, email us at JPII.Centre@bbcatholic.org.au or at 0499 386 336.
Contact the Pastoral Centre for:
Group pilgrimages, talks, conferences, faith formation, workshops, JPII display.
Pastoral Centre email:
JPII.Centre@bbcatholic.org.au
Phone: 0499 386 336
Further information:
www.bbcatholic.org.au/gosford
Shrine address:
St. Patrick’s Church, 76 York Street, East Gosford 2250
Pastoral Centre address:
58 Victoria Street, East Gosford
Contact the Parish Office for:
Mass intentions or information about the parish.
Parish Email:
patsgos@acs.net.au
Address:
76 York Street, East Gosford 2250
Phone: (02) 4325 1042