Blessing the New Altar and Understanding the Relics: Shrine of Our Lady of the Island

During the Blessing of the new altar at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, we hear about three relics.

The relics include the founder of the Company of Mary, as well as the first martyr, and the first American born saint. Three relics in total placed in the altar on the same day as its blessings during the Feast of the Assumption: August 15th, 2024.

After hearing about the altar and relics, we hear the Blessings of the Altar by Bishop Robert Coyle. It is worth listening to this ceremony, since the blessing of a new altar is a rare occurrence for most Christians. The blessing is both beautiful and powerful. Listen to the blessing, and hear about the new altar, the relics and their importance in this brief audio.

Listen to:

Blessing the New Altar and Understanding the Relics: Shrine of Our Lady of the Island

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Images:

Top picture. Explaining the relics. Second picture: Before Mass, a view of the altar facing out to the sea.