Nearly 3,500 of the faithful came from as far as Maine and Maryland and waited over two hours to view 200 relics of Jesus, the Holy Family, and various saints, martyrs and blesseds exhibited at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory in Montclair Feb. 24.

Ivan Cantu was executed Feb. 28 by the state of Texas despite claims that the Texan’s 2001 conviction for killing James Mosqueda and Amy Kitchen, his cousin and his cousin’s fiancee, was based on false testimony.

The archdiocese is inviting parishioners and parish leaders to voice their opinions as the Catholic Church continues a three-year process of reflection, listening and dialogue to refine its mission and direction.

Sister Mary Charlotte Marshall, who served as superior general of her religious community from 1981 to 1989, died Feb. 23. She was 96 and had served 80 years in consecrated life.

Pope Francis’ calendar for Holy Week and Easter is just as full as in previous years despite a mild illness which has caused him to cancel meetings in the days leading up to the release of his liturgical calendar for March.