Relics from the Holy Family, authenticated by the Vatican, have found a new, permanent home in Chicago.
The relics -- fragments of Jesus' manger and threads of Mary's veil and Joseph's cloak -- were a gift to Holy Family Church in celebration of its 155th anniversary.
"These are objects of faith and devotion. ... We're thrilled to have this history," said Fr. Jeremiah Boland. "It's very deeply appreciated."
The church, at 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd., is the second-oldest church in Chicago and one of the five public buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The items were gifted to Holy Family from nearby The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii church.
"They said, 'Wouldn't it be great if this relic went to the church that's named after the Holy Family,'" Boland recalled.
