Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., reflects on months of travel with relics
Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., describes venerating a relic as an opportunity to see more clearly what God has promised.
“Praying before a relic is like putting glasses on to see heaven better,” Fr. Jobe said. “Through this transformative action, we can have a peek into what’s next.”
Throughout the first half of 2025, Fr. Jobe has traveled throughout the Our Lady of the Angels Province with relics of three Polish saints, providing veneration opportunities for their faithful. His final stop, after visiting more than 30 parishes and ministry sites, was at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland on Sunday, June 22.
“We feel through this tour we’ve been able to promote a devotion to Mary by showcasing the lives of these great saints,” Fr. Jobe said. “Everywhere I went, there was always a long line [for veneration] … There’s a great interest in the lives of these saints of the 20th century, who by their devotion to Mary lead us to Christ.”
Promoting Marian Devotion of Universal Saints
Fr. Jobe toured with relics of Sts. Pope John Paul II, Maximillian Kolbe, and Maria Faustina Kowalska for veneration up and down the East Coast. Each famous and transformative for the Church in their own ways, all three saints share Polish heritage and a deep devotion to Mary.
- Pope John Paul II’s papal motto was “Totus Tuus,” which means totally yours and reflects his consecration to Christ through Mary.
- Maximillian Kolbe was the founder of the Militia Immaculata (MI), a worldwide evangelization movement that encourages total consecration to the Virgin Mary.
- Maria Faustina Kowalska, known for her devotion to Divine Mercy, saw Mary as the “Mother of Mercy” in her obedience to God’s will and the way she reflected God’s love.
“Through their witness, we can be inspired,” Fr. Jobe said.
“In our Franciscan charism, we are devoted to Mary,” he said. “It behooves us to share that charism, especially in our parishes and ministry sites throughout the Province.”
The Marian Apostolate of the Friars Minor Conventual
Fr. Jobe serves as the Provincial Delegate of our Canadian Province Delegation of St. Francis of Assisi and Province Assistant for the Marian Apostolate of the Friars Minor Conventual. He has also served as a Province representative on the Militia Immaculata, an organization started by St. Maximilian Kolbe, since 2014.
The Our Lady of the Angels Province Marian Apostolate is dedicated to promoting devotion to the Immaculate Conception and Blessed Virgin Mary. The apostolate offers pilgrimages and tours of Marian shrines and promotes pastoral ministry that highlights Mary’s role in the lives of Catholics. Fr. Jobe will assist in leading a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Friday, October 24.
For him, this ministry is deeply personal.
“The Blessed Mother doesn’t let you down and she draws you ever closer to Christ,” Fr. Jobe said. “I’ve become more sensitive to her relationship with Christ and how the two are inseparable as she stood dying a thousand deaths at the foot of the cross.”
Fr. Jobe was ordained in May – a month the Church traditionally celebrates Mary – four decades ago. He said he also experienced his own calling to the priesthood in the month of May.
When it comes to sharing this devotion with others, Fr. Jobe said, “I find enrichment in the faithful who share this devotion – their faith lifts me up.”