Rare opportunity to see relic of the Virgin Mary at church

HUNDREDS of people are expected to visit one of the Catholic Church’s most important relics when it arrives in Hayling.

Wendy Heath put in a request that the Miraculous Relic Image of Our Lady of Guadelupe visit Havant.

It is believed that in 1531 an image of the Virgin Mary was imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma – a rough piece of clothing made of woven fibres that are extracted from the Mexican agave plant.

Copies that have been touched by the relic are in churches around the world and tour parishes.

It will arrive at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, in Manor road, Hayling, next Wednesday.

Ms Heath said: ‘I made an inquiry last year and they agreed.

‘There is one copy in every country so everyone has the opportunity to experience it globally. We’re very happy to have it here in a small community church. I am not Catholic. I’m not religious, I’m of no denomination. But I have touched it and something happened to me. It is incredible.

‘That’s why I felt it was so important to try and bring it to Hayling.

‘It will be quite an experience for people, whatever they believe.’

The relic will arrive at the church on the morning of April 22.

The public can view the relic from 1pm until 7pm.

For more information go to relicourladyofguadalupe.co.uk.