Blessed John Paul II Relic - Peoria, Illinois

(Photos provided)

Destination: A first class relic of Blessed John Paul II is arriving in the Diocese of Peoria soon for a short visit. You’ll only have two chances to see the relic, Nov. 18 and 19.
Why to go:  The relic — a vial of Blessed John Paul II’s blood encased in a golden book of the Gospels  — is being brought to Peoria by the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. It is “the official relic used in advancing his cause for canonization,” according to Bishop of Peoria Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, in a letter to Bishop David J. Malloy.
The Diocese of Peoria is one of just three dioceses to host the relic; the other two are in Florida.
“Our celebration with his relic not only honors the memory of this great man,” Bishop Jenky says, “but also prepares our local church to celebrate his future canonization.”
The canonization of Blessed John Paul II, along with Blessed John XXIII, is set for April 27, 2014, at the Vatican.
Photos show the Cathedral of the immaculate Conception in Peoria (above) and the John Paul II Catholic Newman Center in Normal (below).
Visit details:  Nov. 18, 2013 — A Votive Mass, during which the relic will be displayed, will be offered at the cathedral at 7:15 p.m. After the Mass, you will have an opportunity to individually venerate the relic. Holy cards with Blessed John Paul II’s image will be given out to be touched to the relic, thus creating third class relics.
 Nov. 19, 2013 — Mother Adela Galindo, foundress and superior of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, will travel with the relic to the ISU Newman Center and will speak to the students at 6:30 p.m. A rosary is planned, with refreshments to follow.
(Grand) Kid friendly: If you can bring children or grandchildren, it will be a rare opportunity to learn about relics of the saints.
Info: Address: The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 607 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 Phone: 309/682-5823 Web: http://www.cdop.org/pages/ACathedral.aspx
Address: John Paul II Catholic Newman Center: 501 S. Main St., Normal, IL 61761 Phone: 309/452-5046 Web: http://www.isucatholic.org/blessed-john-paul-ii-relics.html

- Compiled by Amanda Hudson
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum - Peoria, Illinois

(CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World)

Destination: As his sainthood cause advances, now may be the ideal time for a trip to Peoria to see the new Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum in the new Spalding Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Peoria.
Mass, about a block away in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception where Archbishop Sheen was ordained a priest, is offered Saturday  at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in English and 12:15 p.m. in Spanish. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the St. Thomas More Chapel to see it’s amazing collection of saint’s relics. Tuesday through Friday,  8 a.m. Masses are at St. Peter’s Parish, 2719 NE Madison Ave.

(Observer photo by Amanda Hudson)

In the photo (above), a man takes a snapshot of Byzantine-rite vestments and other items belonging to the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen on display in the museum (right). The Spalding Pastoral Center houses both the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Museum and the Peoria Diocesan Museum.
Why to go:  Born in El Paso — you’ll take a right there on I-39 to get to Peoria — and ordained for the Diocese of Peoria, Fulton John Sheen may well become an Illinois-native saint.
For older Catholics, familiar with Archbishop Sheen’s TV show, “Life is Worth Living,” the museum will be a reminder of an “entertainment” staple of the 1950s. And it offers a great opportunity to pass on the legacy of one of Catholicism’s most famous American spokesmen before he becomes a saint. (Talk to anyone there; they’re almost ready to guarantee it will be soon. Look for the story of his first alleged miracle in next week’s Observer.) Relax in a corner to watch a movie about his life, and don’t forget to ask about the Sheen Trail.
Access: Parking is about a half-block away, but the museum is on the first floor.
Ammenities: There are gift items for sale in the museum and the center will make special arrangements for groups.
Admission: Free, but donations are welcome, both to support the musuem and the Sheen Foundation to further the sainthood cause. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  The museum welcomes children, but keep in mind it’s a small space inside an office building.
Info: Address:  Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603. Phone: 309/671-1550. Web: www.cdopmuseums.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org