St. Agnes Hosts Relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Hundreds of parishioners paid their respects at St. Agnes on Monday as relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque were on display at the cathedral. The relics are on loan from a basilica in France where Alacoque's remains are kept.

According to the church's newsletter, St. Margaret Mary was a cloistered nun in France in the 17th century who had a number of unique divine experiences, which in turn inspired her to foster devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was canonized in 1920.

Some of the relics on display included small bone fragments from Alacoque's shoulder and hip, along with a tribute to her life story.

To many of those who came to honor, celebrate and pray, the witness of miracles such as those experienced by St. Margaret Mary are needed now more than ever.

"The people of the world, especially now, need good hearts," said Archbishop Zygmut Zimowski, who was in attendance at the day-long veneration. "This is actually independent of religion, it transcends into culture at large."

Parishoner Lee Paolino was instrumental in bringing the relics to St. Agnes. She too is inspired not only by her religion, but by her faith as well.

"We've spent five years trying to get these relics to St. Agnes," Paolino said. "It's about bringing people back to faith."

Fellow parishoner Adina Osipow, who also played a key role in bringing the relics to Rockville Centre, agreed. "The faith that these relics represent transcends Catholicism," she said. "It's no different than Kaballah or the Quran. It's about spreading faith and good works in a time when people need it most."

The relics tour, which makes stops in Merrick all the way to East Hampton, ends on Aug. 23.