Encounter the Tunic of St. Joseph at Hearts on Fire Men’s Retreat
The Relic Project is honored to announce that we will be bringing relics of the saints to the annual Hearts on Fire Men’s Retreat in Spokane on February 21.
Among the relics available for veneration will be the relic of St. Joseph’s Tunic, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Francis of Assisi along with relics of many other saints.
We will have a dedicated space inside the vendor area, located in the cafeteria of Gonzaga Preparatory School, where attendees can venerate the relics and meet our team throughout the day.
Be sure to stop by The Relic Project booth to encounter the saints up close. And when you see the saint pop-up displays, you’ll know you’ve found us! A variety of devotional items will also be available for purchase, including products that may be used to create third-class relics.
History behind the relic of St. Joseph
The relic of the Tunic of St. Joseph was our very first discovery, the moment that quietly ignited what would become The Relic Project.
It began after noon Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes. Almost on a whim, our founder, Anthony, asked Fr. Tracy if the parish had any relics. The question was simple. The answer was unexpected.
“Sure,” Fr. Tracy replied. “Let me go get one.”
Moments later, he emerged from the rectory holding what he believed at the time was a relic of St. Joseph’s staff. There was no dramatic unveiling, no fanfare, just a quiet encounter with something sacred. Neither of them yet realized the magnitude of what had just happened.
Fast forward to 2025. Fr. Tracy generously permitted The Relic Project to borrow the relic for further examination. That same year, it was authenticated by Fr. Carlos Martins. the foremost expert on relics, and the revelation was stunning. The relic was not from the staff of St. Joseph.
It was from the Tunic of St. Joseph.
What had been sitting quietly in the rectory carried far greater historical and devotional significance than anyone had imagined.
Further conversations revealed even more of its story.
The relic had once been embedded within an altar stone. When the Good Shepherd Sisters withdrew from the local community, they entrusted the relic to Fr. Tracy for safekeeping, preserving a sacred treasure that might otherwise have been forgotten.
What began as a simple question after Mass became the spark that launched a global mission. The Tunic of St. Joseph was not just a discovery, it was the beginning.
Register for Hearts on Fire Today!
Hearts on Fire 2026
Worship and Serve God Alone
Location: Gonzaga Preparatory School, Spokane
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Schedule highlights:
Doors open and registration begins at 7:00 am
Optional Mass at 7:30 am
Conference begins at 8:30 am
Conference concludes at 4:00 pm
Men from across the Diocese of Spokane and the Inland Northwest are invited to gather for a full day of inspiration, faith, fellowship, and fun. The day will include Mass, powerful talks, time for personal prayer, confession, adoration, and opportunities to connect with other men striving to live their faith more deeply.
The conference will be led by Bishop Thomas Daly, who will guide participants in reflection and call them to a life of prayer and discipleship. The day will also include laughter, great conversation, tacos, and beer.
A continental breakfast, hot lunch, and all conference activities are included with registration. Vendors will be available. This event is recommended for men ages 14 and older.
Register for the retreat and be sure to stop by The Relic Project booth to encounter the saints in a powerful and prayerful way.
