Major relic of Saint Francis Xavier to visit the Archdiocese of Toronto

A first-degree relic of missionary Saint Francis Xavier is coming to the Archdiocese of Toronto, January 12-14, 2018. The forearm of the saint, permanently displayed at the Church of the Gesù in Rome, will be in Canada from December 29 – February 2, as part of a 14-city Canadian visit. In our archdiocese, the relic will be hosted by St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (Jan. 12), St. Francis Xavier Church, Mississauga (Jan. 13) and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Toronto (January 14). More information about the visit and a full schedule of events can be found at: www.cco.ca/relic

Organizers believe this is the first time the relic has been on Canadian soil. The body of St. Francis Xavier, which is buried in Goa, India, as well as the relic of his arm, are incorrupt—they have not experienced natural decay since his death in 1552. Organizers expect close to 100,000 people will visit the various events across the country—the same number of people it is believed Francis baptized with his right arm and hand.