Father Francis de Sales Brunner, the missionary who led the Society of the Precious Blood, was a collector of relics.

Over the 19th century other relics were added to the core collection as a way of protecting them from the continuous strife of 19th-century Italy.

In 1892 a separate "relic chapel" was established in which Sisters of the Most Precious Blood conducted a continuous vigil.

The Heritage Museum on the second floor of the convent showcases life during the early years of the community.

[4] Even today southern Mercer County is predominantly Catholic, a reflection of 19th-century immigration patterns.