The temperatures have stayed low all day, but that hasn't stopped people from seeing a 400-year-old relic that is spending just one day in Winnipeg.

The arm of Saint Francis Xavier is in Winnipeg for just one day and is drawing large crowds of people, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous Catholic relic before it is sent back to Rome, where it rarely leaves.

According to Angele Renier, the founder of Catholic Christian Outreach, this event has been a thought for a long time. The Archbishop of Ottawa told Renier to ask about bringing the arm to Canada 10 years ago.

"We had three months to plan it," Renier smiled.

A number of people have made their way to St. Mary's Cathedral today to view the relic, even with the temperature hovering below -20°C with the wind chill. 

"To have a [relic] the size of an arm and a hand is unique," Renier said. "Many people that are coming have culture connections because [St. Francis Xavier] would have done work with their people."

St. Francis Xavier created many cultural connections and is considered a great apostle to Asia, including places like Japan, India and China.

Renier says the relic has never been alone for more than 30 seconds since it was opened for people to visit at 10:00 a.m. this morning. It will remain open for public veneration until 9:30 p.m. at St Mary's Cathedral.