The Diocese of Belleville was privileged to have the relic of the heroic St. Maria Goretti in our Cathedral of St. Peter all day on October 19. This was a time of grace for all of us.

Priests intersect with people’s lives at many times, often those times that are most critical in families, especially as they come to the sacraments: the baptisms of their children; when their children receive first Eucharist, are confirmed; or want to be married in the church. Other times that are difficult can be made more bearable with the counsel of a priest: when a family member is sick, in the hospital, in need of last rites.

Just before daylight on Oct. 19 the relic of St. Maria Goretti was escorted into St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville where she would remain until 11 p.m. that night.