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HOLY RELICS EXPO 2026 – ST. ANTHONY’S FRIARY CHURCH, KORAMANGALA, BANGALORE
St. Anthony’s Friary Church, Koramangala, Bangalore, is organising a special “Holy Relics Expo – 2026”, featuring the Exposition and Veneration of the Holy Relics of 2,000 Saints. This spiritually significant event is being organised as part of the observance of the 800th Anniversary of the Passing (Transitus) of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Church has been granted a special Plenary Indulgence for this 800th anniversary, providing the faithful with a grace-filled opportunity to deepen their conversion, renew their love for Christ, and grow in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. In order to make this occasion a meaningful pilgrimage of faith, the parish is organising this unique exposition and veneration of the relics of 2,000 saints.
The inspiration for venerating holy relics is beautifully expressed in the words of Scripture: “Even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 9:12). The presence of the relics of the saints reminds us of their heroic witness to Christ and encourages us to follow their example of faith, holiness, sacrifice, charity and perseverance.
The event also draws inspiration from Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” The saints are truly a “great cloud of witnesses” who inspire us to live our Christian vocation faithfully.
Dates and Timings
The Expo will be held on 11th, 12th and 13th August 2026, from Tuesday to Thursday.
Tuesday, 11 August: 2.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Wednesday, 12 August: 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Thursday, 13 August: 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Holy Masses and Programme
On Tuesday, 11 August, Masses will be celebrated at 6.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon in English, followed by the Blessing and Inauguration of the Relics and Procession with the Relics at 2.00 p.m. Masses will then be celebrated at 4.15 p.m. in Malayalam, 5.00 p.m. in Kannada, 5.45 p.m. in Tamil and 6.30 p.m. in English.
On Wednesday, 12 August, Masses are scheduled at 6.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon in English, 4.00 p.m. in Kannada, 5.00 p.m. in Tamil and 6.00 p.m. in English.
On Thursday, 13 August, Masses will be celebrated at 6.30 a.m. in English, 12.00 noon in English, 4.00 p.m. in Kannada, 5.00 p.m. in English and 6.00 p.m. in Tamil.
Spiritual Preparation for the Plenary Indulgence
To receive the spiritual benefits of the 800th Anniversary of the Passing (Transitus) of St. Francis of Assisi, the faithful are invited to fulfil the prescribed spiritual requirements: recite the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father), profess the Catholic Faith by praying the Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), receive Holy Communion, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, the Pope.
The parish warmly invites the faithful to participate in this extraordinary occasion of grace, prayer and pilgrimage, and to seek the intercession of the saints while renewing their commitment to Christ.
All are warmly invited to participate in the Holy Relics Expo 2026 and experience the inspiration of the great cloud of saints who continue to lead us closer to Christ.