Praying with relics of St. Bernadette during visit to Co-Cathedral was graced time for many

Faithful gathered at Saint Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold on October 10 and 11 to venerate the relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. The two day visit served as the 16th stop of a nationwide pilgrimage that includes approximately 140 locations across the United States.

Bishop David M. O’Connell and Father Jean Felicien, the diocesan chancellor, met the relics upon their arrival at noon on October 10. During the visit, the Co-Cathedral hosted Mass, Confession, a candlelight Rosary, and opportunities for prayer. Visitors participated in a ritual where holy water from Lourdes was poured onto their hands before they approached the relics for prayer and reflection.

Saint Bernadette witnessed 18 apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, in 1858. The pilgrimage continues to travel to various sites throughout the country.