John Paul II’s relics coming to PH

POPE JOHN PAUL RELICS. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino Catholics will get a chance to venerate Blessed Pope John Paul II in time for his canonization next month.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday announced that some of the pontiff’s relics from Poland and Rome will arrive in the country on April 1 for a two-month “Totus Tuus Tour.”

Among the relics that will be displayed in various locations in the country are the late pope’s bloodstain, hair strands, papal zucchetto and part of his cassock, the CBCP announced in its official news service CBCP News.

His skullcap, purificator, bishop’s chasuble and a priest’s stole, which he used during the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz in Manila in 1981 will also be displayed.

The tour is organized by the Office for the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz in the Philippines on the occasion of John Paul II’s canonization on April 27.

According to the tour’s chairman Bro. Dave de la Cruz, two sets of relics from Poland and Rome will be prepared for veneration.