Photo Caption: A new, oak reliquary at Sacred Heart Church in Rock Island holds a treasure of relics discovered last summer during a cleaning of a church utility cabinet.

ROCK ISLAND — Called “the find of a lifetime,” the discovery last summer of a box of relics at Sacred Heart Church here was actually the find of about 90 holy lifetimes — including the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Peter, St. Paul, and even Jesus himself.

Now considered treasures of the parish and displayed in a newly built and blessed oak cabinet, the relics had for years been forgotten or misplaced in a wooden wine box within a locked church utility cabinet.

During cleaning last summer, a parishioner found the box, opened it, and quickly brought the unusual contents to Chris Mandle, sacramental coordinator for Sacred Heart Parish.

“You should look at these,” said the parishioner.

“Oh my gosh, they’re relics!” said Mandle, noting the red wax seal each bore and the names in tiny lettering.

And what names they are!

Two relics are purported to be of the true cross. Another is cited as from the veil or vestment of the Blessed Mother. There are dozens and dozens more, with names as familiar as St. Matthew and St. Augustine to the more obscure St. Venant and St. Cajetan.

In the ensuing year, the parish has yet to find a record of where the relics came from, or what exactly each case holds — be it a bone fragment or piece of clothing. Mandle believes they may have a tie to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary who formerly taught at the parish grade school, but “somehow these got lost or forgotten and left.”

As the research continued, Father Greg Jozefiak — who served as pastor of Sacred Heart until he was reassigned last month — decided to have a display case built so parishioners could safely view the relics. Mike Moody and his father, Dwight, built the case, which is topped by a glass enclosure. Tim Smith, a local photographer, worked to install lighting that would not damage the historic pieces.

The case was placed behind a votive candle rack to the left of the church sanctuary. “That’s a nice tie-in to realize we’re praying with the Communion of Saints,” said Mandle.

In the past school year, Father Jozefiak had taken the relics to Jordan Catholic School and Alleman High School to speak with the students about the saints and explain the church’s teaching regarding the veneration of relics. On Good Friday, one of the relics of the true cross was placed on the crucifix venerated during the liturgy.

The reliquary at Sacred Heart Church was dedicated to Father Jozefiak before he left in mid-June to become pastor of parishes in East Moline and Silvis. Father Steve Loftus is the new pastor of Sacred Heart.