May 4th seems so very long ago, yet it is only 4 months since Bishop McManus was here to consecrate and dedicate our church and altar. Some of you may notice the white marble cover under the altar. That is where Bishop McManus placed the relics of Saint Gemma Galgani and St. Pius X. In the past the relics were placed on the altar; but since the relics of St. Peter are buried beneath the main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome it has now become the custom to do the same in newly consecrated church settings.
When you come to church this weekend, you will see a new plaque indicating the dedication of our church and altar. This is placed near the relics. I encourage you who wish at any time you have a special prayer intention or need to come and place your hand on the white disk and raise up your prayer through the intercession of these two saints. (Secret, there is a pad under the rug where I stand at the altar, so kneeling there is quite comfortable!) Here is the inscription on the plaque:
On this 4th Day of May, in the year of Our Lord 2019 Robert J. McManus, S.T.D. Bishop of Worcester solemnly dedicated to Almighty God Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Hopedale Massachusetts after depositing the Holy Relics of Saint Gemma Galgani and St. Pius X beneath the Altar