Mexico Cathedral to receive John Paul II relic

Mexico City, Mexico, Feb 4, 2014 / 18:27 pm

The Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Mexico City will open its Holy Door on Feb. 9 to receive a first-class relic of Blessed John Paul II, as well as a painting and a skullcap used by the late pontiff.

The ceremony will mark the beginning of the relic's pilgrimage throughout the archdiocese in order to encourage the faithful to follow the April 27 canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII with deep devotion.

Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City will welcome the faithful before the Mass, after which a life-size wax sculpture of the "Pilgrim Pope" will be put on display.

The sculpture contains a reliquary in the form of a cross on its chest, where a vial containing blood from the pontiff will be kept for veneration by the faithful.

The archdiocese has organized a series of events to take place the week prior to the canonizations, including film festivals, art expos and concerts, as well as a prayer vigil to be held April 25 at the cathedral.