On July 24, massive flooding in the city of Marikina, Philippines, caused by heavy rains from Typhoon Carina, nearly destroyed a chapel housing relics of saints. In a heroic act, a Dominican layman risked his life to save hundreds of these relics.
“I was alone from 1:00 am until 3:00 am, crying and fearing what could happen,” he declared. al National Catholic Register Dave Dela Cruz, a Dominican layman and administrator of the Reliquarium: The Home of Sacred Relicsin Marikina.
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Established in 2018 in Marikina City, the Reliquarium has served as a beacon of light, dedicated to the cause of canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz. This was a layman who dedicated his life to leading and educating young people in the Christian faith and life. He is considered one of the pillars of Catholic faith and action in Croatia, and promoted liturgical renewal in his country, inspiring many. Dela Cruz has been the vice postulator of Blessed Ivan’s canonization cause since 2010.
“As he carried the relics, he whispered prayers for those affected by the disaster. Although I could barely walk at that time, I persisted with his help, waiting for his prayers for the people of Marikina City and the Philippines, who were greatly affected by the typhoon,” Dela Cruz recalled.
Walking through the stagnant water to enter the Reliquarium, Cruz described the process of saving the relics as the Marikina River rose rapidly. There is a history of typhoons hitting the region, causing flood damage to the chapel.
“I prioritized saving the Blessed Sacrament and keeping Jesus safe in another tabernacle in the small room where we do private prayers,” Dela Cruz shared. The Dominican layman then chose to save the relics closest to the ground.
“After securing the Blessed Sacrament and some relics, I needed to move the sanctuary chairs and other furniture, including our organ, to an upper floor,” he described.
“The floor was wet and I didn’t realize the stairs were slippery too. I slipped from the second floor and fell down the steps near the bathroom door. I thought I wouldn’t survive the fall. However, my guardian angel helped me up, and despite my arrhythmia, I managed to carry the heavy furniture and the organ on my own,” he continued.
Dela Cruz recalled how he carried the relics two by two, with one in each hand, ascending to the second floor and the sanctuary. She explained that since he “believes relics to be more precious than gold and feels blessed to be their custodian at the Reliquarium,” he must show them deep respect because the saints are protectors and intercessors.
When asked why so much care was taken to rescue the Blessed Sacrament and the relics in a dangerous situation and against the clock, Dela Cruz explained: “I always emphasize to our young people that Jesus must be our top priority. The Blessed Sacrament must always come first. We must prioritize the Body of Jesus, especially since our bishop has blessed us with the gift of having (Christ) present in our chapel.”
“The typhoon would not stop me from giving proper reverence to these saints who have helped me and many others,” he continued. He explained that this was his way of expressing his gratitude and asking for the help of the saints to save the chapel from the flood.
Despite being alone and almost dying, Dela Cruz managed to save all the relics in the chapel. Reliquarium volunteers cleaned the chapel in preparation for Sunday Mass and the return of the relics.
‘The Relics are our treasures’
Dela Cruz’s personal involvement with the Reliquarium began during his liturgical studies at the Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in Bukidnon, which culminated in his research work A Catechesis on the Veneration of Saints and their Relicslater published as More Precious than Gold, by Claretian Publications. His work won the 2013 Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Award for Best Book on Liturgy.
The Reliquarium evolved from a previous mission, the “Sacred Relics Tour,” a mobile public veneration initiative.
The chapel was founded for reparation and reconciliation against sacrilege towards sacred relics. They began with the Brotherhood of Catholic Saints, intended to promote the lives of holy people and educate about the correct veneration of relics.
“Since our founding, we have been entrusted with relics from various religious sources, especially after my visits to Rome and Croatia in 2007 while researching Blessed Ivan Merz, prior to my appointment as vice-postulator,” Dela Cruz explained.
Over time, the Reliquarium in Marikina City has welcomed thousands of pilgrims seeking blessings, healings and miracles through the intercession of Blessed Ivan and other saints.
The Institute “Family of Blessed Ivan Merz”, founded in 2003 together with the Reliquarium, is the leading association for the cause in the Philippines. They offer a variety of services, including scholarships, feeding programs for the needy, online Catholic education programs, and the care and protection of sacred relics entrusted to them by religious congregations, priests, families, and individuals.
“The relics are our treasures and the saints are our priceless assets,” Dela Cruz emphasized. “It is remarkable that, of all the places in our country, the Lord and the saints have chosen us to be their home and guardians. They have dedicated their lives to Jesus; We must follow his example by protecting and honoring them, just as they continually protect us with their prayers and support our missions.”
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in National Catholic Register.
Anthony Di Mauro
Based in Spokane, Washington, Anthony Di Mauro is the founder and CEO of The Relic Project, which aims to establish a global online library of first- and second-class relics so that we, as a Church, can know which saints we have and where they are located and offer people the opportunity to request the safe veneration of these relics.