Chennai: In a spiritual event of monumental proportions, the Diocese of Chengalpet is set to host a rare and historic public exhibition of holy relics belonging to more than 1,500 saints. Scheduled to take place from August 15 to 17, the event will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Chromepet, Chennai, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of devotees from across the region and beyond.
This “Holy Relics Expo,” being organized as part of the 2025 Global Jubilee Year celebrations, is not just a religious gathering but a profound moment of spiritual reflection and renewal. The relics span centuries of Christian history and include those of apostles, martyrs, mystics, missionaries, scholars, and other revered figures of the Church. Many of these sacred artifacts are being displayed for the first time ever in South India, making this a once-in-a-lifetime event for the faithful.
According to the organizers, the expo aims to help believers reconnect with the roots of their faith by offering them an intimate glimpse into the lives of saints who lived and died for their love of God. “This is more than just an event it’s an encounter with holiness. Through these relics, the faithful can spiritually engage with the enduring legacy of men and women who transformed the world through prayer, sacrifice, and service,” said Fr. G. Bacchia Regis, one of the key coordinators of the program.
The entire event is grounded in the Vatican's Jubilee theme of being “Pilgrims of Hope.” Organizers hope that by venerating these relics, pilgrims will experience spiritual healing, increased devotion, and a deeper desire to walk in faith.
The program will begin with a Tamil-language Holy Mass at 7:30 AM on Friday, August 15 an auspicious day as it marks both India’s Independence Day and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass will be presided over by Dr. A. M. Chinnappa, SDB, the Archbishop Emeritus of Madras-Mylapore. Immediately following the Mass, the relics will be ceremonially inaugurated and taken in a solemn procession around the church premises at 8:30 AM.
Over the course of the three days, a wide range of spiritual services will be offered. Holy Mass will be celebrated continuously in Tamil, English, and Malayalam to ensure inclusivity across linguistic communities. Opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) will also be made available throughout the day, allowing the faithful to spiritually prepare themselves before venerating the relics.
The relics on display include fragments of bones, hair, and objects associated with some of the most beloved saints of Christianity Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Saint John Paul II, and several others. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the sacredness of the event, with designated areas for silent prayer, meditation, and the lighting of candles.
The Diocese of Chengalpet emphasized the significance of this exhibition in deepening the faith of the people, especially during a time when many are struggling with spiritual fatigue, uncertainty, and global unrest. “The saints are our companions on this journey. Their lives tell us that holiness is possible and that God is close to those who seek Him in sincerity,” said Fr. Regis.
Security, crowd management, and medical facilities will also be in place to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Volunteers and clergy have been mobilized across parishes in Chennai and neighboring districts to support the smooth execution of the event.
The organizers have extended an open invitation to people of all faiths to witness this grand exhibition of spiritual heritage, emphasizing that the relics are not just reminders of the past but living testimonies of faith that continue to inspire millions around the world.
As anticipation builds, Chennai is preparing to become the spiritual heartbeat of India during this three-day celebration of holiness, heritage, and hope.