Solemn Exposition of 1,500 Relics in Chennai Draws 4,00,000 Faithful

Chennai, August 19, 2025: For the first time in Tamil Nadu, the Diocese of Chengalpattu organised a grand exposition of more than 1,500 relics of saints at Immaculate Conception Church, Chromepet, Chennai, from August 15 to 17. With the theme “Let us celebrate our Catholic faith”, the three-day spiritual event drew nearly 400,000 faithful.

Organised as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 under the motto “Hope does not disappoint”, the exposition sought to strengthen the spiritual journey of pilgrims and renew their faith. Parish Priest Fr. Bakya Regis told Catholic Connect that Catholics today face many challenges, as devotion to Our Lady and the saints is often misunderstood. “While the universal Church is celebrating the Jubilee Year, Catholics face many challenges. Separated brethren often misunderstand devotion to Our Lady and the saints, casting doubts on our faith. In this context, such devotional initiatives help Catholics to root themselves deeply in faith and to encounter God personally,” he said.

Relics were displayed daily, while continuous confessions and Holy Masses provided the faithful with opportunities to receive abundant graces. Among the treasured relics were small fragments of the Cross on which Christ was crucified, a piece of Our Lady’s veil, and a thorn from Christ’s crown of thorns. The collection also included body fragments, garments, and personal belongings of numerous saints.

The exposition commenced on 15 August with a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Emeritus A. M. Chinnappa of Madras-Mylapore. Later that evening, Bishop Neethinathan of Chengalpattu celebrated the Eucharist with the faithful. On 16 August, Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras-Mylapore served as the main celebrant, followed by Bishop SahayaRaj of Thanjavur, who presided over the Holy Mass on 17 August. Masses were offered each day in Tamil, Malayalam, and English, as well as in Telugu, Hindi, and Latin. Reflecting on the impact of the exposition, Archbishop Antonysamy noted that the faithful could sense the presence of saints who once lived and bore witness to God’s love. “Seeing these relics makes us feel the presence of saints who once lived in this world and bore witness to God’s love. They continue to accompany us,” he affirmed.

Fr. Bakya Regis also underlined the meaning of venerating relics, emphasising that the Church does not worship saints, since worship belongs to God alone. “The Church venerates saints and their relics but does not worship them. Worship belongs to God alone,” he said, explaining that saints are those who lived God’s Word and that through their relics, God’s glory is revealed. He added that venerating relics helps the faithful magnify God and reminds them that they are never alone in their faith journey. “Seeking the intercession of saints is a path to grow closer to God,” he concluded.

Fr. Ephrem Kunnappilly of the Carlo Acutis Foundation, Kerala, who coordinated the exposition, highlighted its wider reach. He said the foundation had already organised similar expositions across India. “For the past two years, we have organised similar expositions in many parts of Kerala and major cities of India. This is the first time in Tamil Nadu, at Chromepet. Across 77 venues, we have sought to deepen Catholic faith, especially among the youth. Here, we showcased relics of over 1,500 saints, including 300 young saints,” he added.

Bishop Neethinathan shared his joy at the overwhelming participation of the faithful. “I firmly believe that for the thousands who venerated these relics, this will remain a lifelong experience of God’s grace,” he said.

Bringing together the faith of hundreds of thousands, the exposition at Chromepet stood as a powerful testimony to the enduring devotion of Catholics in India. Through the veneration of relics, the faithful were reminded of the communion of saints and the hope that continues to guide the Church in the Jubilee Year.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download