Launching the Map of Relics: An Evening with the Saints

November 8, 2025 – Spokane, WA — On the Feast of the Veneration of Holy Relics, The Relic Project celebrated the launch of the world’s first interactive Map of Relics, marking a historic milestone for the Catholic Church.

The event, held at St. Peter Catholic Church, began with a Traditional Latin Mass celebrated by Fr. Oiland on behalf of Bishop Thomas Daly. Concelebrating was Fr. Nathaniel Mayne, O.P., a Dominican priest from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Seattle, who brought with him a first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis, the patron saint of The Relic Project.

Following the Mass, attendees were invited to venerate a collection of sacred relics, many of which were discovered in local Spokane churches.

Afterward, guests gathered for a joyful reception and fundraiser featuring wine, live harp music performed by two young musicians, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a beautiful array of food and desserts generously donated by Sylvia Erickson, Katy Azar, Nancy Sebastiano, and Happy Cake Co. Nearly eighty guests attended the landmark celebration.

The event raised nearly five thousand dollars to support the ongoing mission of The Relic Project, furthering its work to preserve, document, and share the sacred tradition of relics with the faithful.

Joining the event were two young harp players, Juliette and her sister. Rotating throughout the night, they serenaded the crowd with lovely music.

Evan Larson, President of the Board of Directors, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, inviting attendees to donate, eat, and be merry. Fr. Oiland, speaking on behalf of Bishop Thomas Daly, also offered brief remarks on relics and their enduring significance within the life of the Church.

During his address, Anthony Di Mauro, founder and CEO of The Relic Project, recounted the providential timing of the evening. Originally scheduled for All Saints’ Day, the event was moved to November 8, unbeknownst to organizers, the very Feast of the Veneration of Holy Relics.

“Only God could have orchestrated this,” Di Mauro said. “On the one day the Church celebrates the veneration of relics, we find ourselves launching the first-ever map of relics for the faithful to discover, honor, and encounter the saints.”

Reflecting on the origins of the mission, Di Mauro shared how his journey began unexpectedly in 2020, when he volunteered for a Vatican-endorsed ministry bringing relics to Spokane. “I didn’t know what a relic was,” he recalled. “But standing before the Veil of the Virgin Mary, the True Cross, and the Twelve Apostles—I realized these weren’t relics of death, but relics of life. They are signs that holiness is possible, and that sanctity is not a story from the past but a promise for each of us.”

That encounter inspired the founding of The Relic Project, now a growing international ministry dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing relics of the saints with the faithful. “Across the world, relics are hidden, forgotten, or misunderstood,” he said. “We exist to bring them back into the heart of the Church—so future generations will know where the saints still walk among us.”

Since its launch in 2024, The Relic Project has discovered more than 600 relics within the Diocese of Spokane alone, listed over 94 relics sites internationally, and built a network of over 20 global volunteers, including curators, missionaries, and developers. Through its interactive map, the organization connects parishes, schools, and dioceses to the lives of the saints, blending ancient devotion with modern technology.

Di Mauro shared the organization's first mission video and invited Maria Seitz, who he encountered a year ago, who received a healing through a relic of St. Gemma Galgani, to share her story.

Toward the end of the evening, Di Mauro expressed heartfelt gratitude to Stephen and Victoria Hoerner, the developers behind the Map of Relics, presenting them with gifts in appreciation of their dedication: a framed photo print of St. Carlo Acutis, a bottle of wine, a bottle of cognac, and a Raspberry Pi.

“Their work has made this vision a reality,” Di Mauro said. “They’ve built something that will serve the Church for generations.”

In his closing remarks, Di Mauro invited Patrick Wolf, Treasurer of The Relic Project, to encourage continued support and prayer for the ministry.

“Every act of generosity helps bring the saints closer to the people of God,” Wolf said. “Your generosity today is only the beginning. We invite you to invest in this mission. Without your financial help, The Relic Project will not be able to grow.”

Di Mauro concluded the evening by praying The Relic Project Missionary Prayer, entrusting the mission to Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints—especially St. Anthony of Padua and St. Carlo Acutis:
“Lead me to the relics of the saints. Help us bring them out of the shadows and into the light… St. Anthony of Padua and St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us.”

At the end of the night, a 50/50 raffle raised an additional $150. The winner, Eric Brosvik, generously donated his winnings back to the ministry, bringing the total to $300 in support of The Relic Project’s mission.

The Relic Project raised half of their goal of ten thousand dollars. If you'd like to see this mission continue, become a founding monthly donor.

About The Relic Project

Founded in 2024, The Relic Project is an international ministry dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing relics of the saints. Blending ancient devotion with modern technology, the project has already discovered more than 600 relics within the Diocese of Spokane alone and listed 94 relic sites internationally. Its flagship "Map of Relics" connects parishes, schools, and dioceses to the lives of the saints. To view the map or become a founding monthly donor, visit therelicproject.org.