Magdelene Relic Draws Crowds To Mandeville Church

MANDEVILLE, La. - WDSU .com

A rare Roman Catholic relic is drawing crowds to a church in Mandeville.

The Magdelene relic comes to the United States for the first time. Venerated in France since the late 13th century, they are the purported remains of Mary Magdelene.

"This relic, the tiba, it's the bone that was on her that knelt before the risen Christ, which is a pretty amazing thing," said Richard Borgman, the relic's custodian.

One by one, visitors knelt with prayers before the Magdelene relic.

"I asked for guidance and to help me along," said Philip Buras who visited from Franklinton. "I think that's what all of us need."

Many visitors called viewing the relic a "life changing experience."

"It's fantastic. Something just went over me. Fantastic," said visitor Charles Seruntine.

Visitors can view the Magdelene relic Friday night at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mandeville. A lecture is expected to take place at 7 p.m., after which the relic can be viewed. The Magdelene relic heads to the Southshore on Saturday where it can be viewed at St. Anthony of Padua church until 6 p.m.

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