BEAUMONT — The St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica added two pieces of history during mass Sunday morning.
Relics of Saints Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were presented inside the Catholic church to be permanently enshrined for all to see.
The ceremony is rare, and the Basilica was chosen to receive the relics because of its history and impact throughout Southeast Texas.
Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, says "Those relics are another addition to the importance of the cathedral basilica, but also the very important role it plays in this community."
Following the service, members of the church crowded around the relics for pictures and prayer.
One of the relics is blood from Pope John Paul II which came from Poland.
Pope John Paul II served as pope from 1978 to 2005.
The second relic belongs to Pope John XII, who started the Second Vatican Council and his relic comes directly from the Vatican.
Pope John XXIII served as pope from 1958 to 1963.
Parish Council member Joe Tortorice says "Between those two gentleman, they've put the church in a great position."
Bishop Guillory adds "I remember Saint John XXIII who is in fact one of my favorite popes... Of course I was appointed a bishop by Saint John Paul II."
The Basilica is the only place in the country to permanently enshrine relics from these two saints and will be the only place available for public veneration.
Tortorice says "It's incredible, it really is. I had my grandkids here as well as my kids, it was a beautiful morning."