Holy Relics Expo 2026 at St. Anthony's Friary Church, Koramangala

Bengaluru | 13 August 2026

St. Anthony's Friary Church, Koramangala, Bengaluru, hosted the Holy Relics Expo 2026 from 11 to 13 August, offering the faithful a unique opportunity to venerate the relics of around 2,000 saints. The spiritually significant event was organised as part of the observance of the 800th anniversary of the passing (Transitus) of St. Francis of Assisi. The Expo 2026 was inaugurated by Fr. Xavier Durairaj, OFM, Minister Provincial.

Three Days of Prayer and Veneration

Over the three days, hundreds of faithful visited the church, coming together in prayer, veneration and thanksgiving. The exposition provided an opportunity for people to reflect on the lives and witness of the saints and to seek their intercession.

Alongside the exposition, confessions were also organised, giving the faithful the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prepare their hearts as they venerated the relics.

The presence of the relics also served as a reminder that holiness is a lived response to the Gospel. Through the witness of the saints, the faithful were encouraged to renew their commitment to Christ, deepen their faith and embrace lives of prayer, charity, sacrifice and service.

A Franciscan Significance

The celebration took on a special Franciscan significance as it formed part of the 800th anniversary commemorations of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. The occasion invited the faithful to remember Francis' own journey of radical Gospel living and his call to continual conversion.

A Pilgrimage of Faith

The three day exposition concluded with a renewed sense of gratitude and faith among those who participated. The gathering became not merely an exhibition of sacred relics, but a meaningful pilgrimage of faith, drawing people closer to Christ through the witness of the saints and the enduring legacy of St. Francis of Assisi.

Br. Sleeva, together with the parish team and parish volunteer groups, organised the event, working together to facilitate the exposition, welcome the faithful, coordinate the confessions, and ensure the smooth conduct of the three day celebration.