The diocese of Den Bosch will receive a relic of Titus Brandsma, who was canonized last Sunday. It is a piece of a habit worn by Father Karmeliet. The relic will be carried into St John’s Cathedral in Den Bosch on Sunday during a national celebration of thanksgiving for canonization. Later this year, the relic will be placed in a new bronze statue of Saint Titus in the cathedral.
Relics are important in the Roman Catholic Church. They are always pieces of a saint’s body or objects that the saint has touched. A strong power is attributed to relics. Brandsma (1881 – 1942) spent most of his life in places belonging to the diocese of Den Bosch.
Great in the smaller things
Saint Titus had already opposed National Socialism well before the Second World War. He stood up for the rights of the weak and the dignity of every person. Pope Francis praised Brandsma after the canonization because he showed himself great in the smaller things, which are not so striking. The German occupier arrested the father in 1942. That same year he died of hardship in Dachau concentration camp. Brandsma was already considered a resistance hero during the war.
Archbishop Cardinal Wim Eijk will lead Mass on Sunday, which is open to everyone. The diocese expects large crowds, according to a spokesperson. Family members of Brandsma are present at the thanksgiving celebration. The highest leader of the Carmelite Order also travels to the Netherlands. In addition, ten Dutch bishops and auxiliary bishops are expected. A hymn has been composed for the canonization, which will be heard for the first time on Sunday.
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View the canonization of priest Titus Brandsma on St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City here.