Unveiling of the Reliquary of St. John Paul II at Mentorella

On Monday, April 28, the reliquary of Saint John Paul II, a work by sculptor Marek Szala from Szaflary, was unveiled at the Mentorella Sanctuary. The reliquary is placed in the presbytery on the pillar to the left of the figure of the Mother of God, symmetrically to the plaque with the heart of Pope Innocent XIII. The unveiling and blessing ceremony of the reliquary, which took place during the thanksgiving Eucharist for the canonization of St. John Paul II, was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Tivoli, Mauro Parmeggiani. The concelebration was attended by 25 priests, including twelve Resurrectionists. Present were the Father General, Father Provincial, Fr. Michał Osuch from the USA, Fr. Jan Soroka from Vienna, Fr. Krzysztof Miętki from Krakow, and the "Italian" Resurrectionists. Bishop Mauro, both in his homily and in various remarks, spoke extremely beautifully and warmly about St. John Paul II and encouraged the custodians of the Sanctuary to develop his cult here, as "this is a place that John Paul II particularly loved." The reliquary's sponsor is the Skalski Company from Krakow. Mr. President Piotr, along with his wife, also participated in the thanksgiving ceremony. Also present were the mayor of the Capranica Prenestina commune with municipal councilors, carabinieri, friends of the Sanctuary, Italian and Polish pilgrims who attended despite the unfavorable weather and heavy rain. After the solemn liturgy, a reception was held for all present, prepared by friends of the Sanctuary from Capranica Prenestina. A commemorative card was also printed with an entry by Archbishop Karol Wojtyła from September 25, 1965: "I am here every year and always gladly return: the sanctuary of the Mother of God and the beauty of the place attract. God bless."