India: Solemn Exposition of 1,500 Relics in Chennai Draws 400,000 Faithful

In a first-of-its-kind event, a diocese in South India organized a grand exposition of over 1,500 relics of saints under the theme “Let us celebrate our Catholic faith,” drawing a record 400,000 visitors over three days.

The Diocese of Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu hosted the exposition at Immaculate Conception Church, Chromepet, Chennai, from August 15 to 17.

Organized as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 under the motto “Hope does not disappoint,” the event sought to strengthen the spiritual journey of pilgrims and renew their faith.

Drawing attention to the fact that devotion to Our Lady and the saints is often misunderstood, Parish Priest Fr. Bakya Regis said, “Such initiatives help Catholics to root themselves deeply in faith and to encounter God personally.”

Relics were displayed daily, while continuous confessions and Holy Masses made the exposition a profound prayer experience. 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 bodily fragments, garments, and personal belongings of numerous saints.

The exposition commenced on August 15 with a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Emeritus A. M. Chinnappa of Madras-Mylapore. Later that evening, Bishop Neethinathan of Chengalpattu celebrated Mass with the faithful. On August 16, Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras-Mylapore served as the main celebrant, followed by Bishop Sagayaraj Thamburaj of Thanjavur, who presided over the Holy Mass on August 17. 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 the 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. Ephrem Kunnappilly of the Carlo Acutis Foundation, Kerala, who coordinated the exposition, highlighted its wider reach. He said the foundation had already organized similar expositions across India. “For the past two years, we have organized similar expositions in many parts of Kerala and major cities of India. This is the first time in Tamil Nadu.”

Bishop Neethinathan expressed 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 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.

With inputs from  Abishek Raja