Lima, Peru, Nov 15, 2011 / 16:47 pm
Catholics in the Diocese of Tacna-Moquegua in southern Peru joyfully welcomed a relic of Blessed John Paul II, which consists of a vial of the late pontiff’s blood.
The enthronement of the relic took place at the Cathedral of Tacna on Nov. 12, where a special place was prepared on the altar for it to be venerated by the local community.
The altar features a painting of John Paul II’s papal coat of arms as well as the Vatican's coat of arms. It is also decorated with the late Pope’s papal motto, “Totus Tuus” (Totally Yours), which he chose at the beginning of his pontificate in 1978 as a sign of his love for the Virgin Mary.
The relic of Blessed John Paul II is a gift to the southern Peruvian Church from Pope Benedict XVI.