Frequently Asked Questions on Relics and the Ministry
1. How many relics does this ministry have?
Currently, this ministry has 93 authenticated first and second class relics of Catholic saints and blessed. These were all obtained starting 2010 until the present, either through official requests made towards postulators (official canonical lawyers working for the causes of beatification or canonization) or promoters of saints' causes or cultus, churches or shrines where their bodies are kept, or through donations or gifts of various priests, religious or laity who have custody of these relics. The custody of relics is growing, however, we will limit requests in the future to saints and blessed who are already known in the locality.
2. I want to have a relic of my patron saint, or my parish wants a relic. How can I receive a relic?
Usually, relics are not made readily available to the faithful: for most instances, there exists specific regulations or procedures in order to obtain a specific relic. All of these are due to the rarity of the relics- they cannot simply open the tomb and procure a certain fragment for you or for your church or organization. And at the same time, they are taking extra precaution that the relics will not fall into the wrong hands- either through these relics being treated as mere "collectibles" or "collectors' items", sacrilege (example, that of being used in satanic rituals), or through simony (such as sales in auction sites, which has sadly become common in recent times).
As an example of this precaution, the largest relic collection in the world, the Lipsanotheca (or Reliquary) of the Vicariate of Rome, usually demands that relics issued by them be kept solely in parish churches or chapels, with the approval of the diocesan Bishop. (A copy of the Norms can be read HERE.) Due to threats to relics, most of dioceses and religious congregations have already adopted these norms for future requests. Above all, these norms demand that the parish priest/chaplain initiate the request with the approval of the Bishop expressed through writing.
But there are some instances where some sources of relics are usually generous towards laypeople or clergy (as individuals), provided that they know whom they entrust the relics, and that the requesting party has given sufficient proof that they can take care of such relics. Oftentimes this entails making numerous communications, or even going to pilgrimage to their shrines.
As an example of this precaution, the largest relic collection in the world, the Lipsanotheca (or Reliquary) of the Vicariate of Rome, usually demands that relics issued by them be kept solely in parish churches or chapels, with the approval of the diocesan Bishop. (A copy of the Norms can be read HERE.) Due to threats to relics, most of dioceses and religious congregations have already adopted these norms for future requests. Above all, these norms demand that the parish priest/chaplain initiate the request with the approval of the Bishop expressed through writing.
But there are some instances where some sources of relics are usually generous towards laypeople or clergy (as individuals), provided that they know whom they entrust the relics, and that the requesting party has given sufficient proof that they can take care of such relics. Oftentimes this entails making numerous communications, or even going to pilgrimage to their shrines.
3. Help! I have a relic, how do I know if it is real?
Ascertaining the authenticity of relics is a hard task: it demands knowledge of many things such as history, art, and languages such as Latin (which usually most relics and certificates are written and labelled in). There are several indicators with which we may check and assess the authenticity of a relic: its container or packaging (which is normally a small theca [relic-capsule], a reliquary or even a card or frame), its seal and certificate, the registry number of the certificate, the origins of the relic, etc.
We do not claim to be full experts on discerning the authenticity of relics, although for most cases, many relic custodians and ministries already know how to distinguish a true relic from a fake relic. In that case, we will respectfully request you to contact other relic ministries (refer to RESOURCES) and contact them for such.
We do not claim to be full experts on discerning the authenticity of relics, although for most cases, many relic custodians and ministries already know how to distinguish a true relic from a fake relic. In that case, we will respectfully request you to contact other relic ministries (refer to RESOURCES) and contact them for such.
4. I have this relic, and I think I might not need it anymore.
Please be reminded that relics are NOT to be for sale, since they are property (or precisely, the patrimony) of the Church, even if it is entrusted to you or to your relative/friend. To engage in exchange, sale or profiteering using these relics is a grave sin called Simony, and engaging in such sin endangers your soul and deprives you from God's blessings. Just penalties (not limited to but including excommunication) may be incurred by doing such activities.
However, we understand that caring and ministering for others with relics is not a calling everyone has. What you may do with your "unwanted" relic is to respectfully hand it over to your parish priest or your local diocese where it may be kept and reused for veneration. Or if these two groups do not accept the offer, you may make an initial inquiry to our ministry using the CONTACT portion of this website. We will be happy to assist you in the process and reuse the relic for its intended purpose, or entrust it to another church or chapel where it is assured of veneration for years to come.
However, we understand that caring and ministering for others with relics is not a calling everyone has. What you may do with your "unwanted" relic is to respectfully hand it over to your parish priest or your local diocese where it may be kept and reused for veneration. Or if these two groups do not accept the offer, you may make an initial inquiry to our ministry using the CONTACT portion of this website. We will be happy to assist you in the process and reuse the relic for its intended purpose, or entrust it to another church or chapel where it is assured of veneration for years to come.
5. How do I take care of the relics entrusted to me?
Congratulations for the wonderful relic or relics you acquired! The relic in your hands may have come from the good graces of a relative or friend, or may have come from your requests which have been granted by others. You may have rescued the relic from an auction site, guaranteeing its safe and reverent care in the foreseeable future. Regardless of the circumstances which the relic came, or how you have received it, allow us to make suggestions for keeping that relic for its intended use:
The following words from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (CDWDS), recommends the following acts towards relics:
"The various forms of popular veneration of the relics of the Saints, such as kissing, decorations with lights and flowers, bearing them in processions, in no way exclude the possibility of taking the relics of the Saints to the sick and dying, to comfort them or use the intercession of the Saint to ask for healing. Such should be conducted with great dignity and be motivated by faith. " (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 237).
Above all, you have the obligation to provide for its safe and worthy storage and maintenance. Purchasing reliquaries, frames or other materials for that purpose is a task given to each custodian of relics, or to anyone who has been entrusted with the care of holy relics.
- You must put it in a place of honor in your home, such as your home altar. Or, you can donate it to a parish or chapel who will willingly accept to expose and offer the relic for public veneration (if it is an authenticated first or second class relic).
- With permission of Church authority (such as your parish priest or chaplain), you can have it exposed during the feast of the saint/blessed (if it is an authenticated relic).
- You can visit the sick and pray for them with the relic you are taking care of.
- For teachers, you can use it in sessions of catechesis and prayer with your students.
- Those who are working with prayer groups can frequently use these relics for their regular meetings and special events. Placing them in a position of honor will inspire many faithful and foster the spirit of prayer and devotion.
The following words from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (CDWDS), recommends the following acts towards relics:
"The various forms of popular veneration of the relics of the Saints, such as kissing, decorations with lights and flowers, bearing them in processions, in no way exclude the possibility of taking the relics of the Saints to the sick and dying, to comfort them or use the intercession of the Saint to ask for healing. Such should be conducted with great dignity and be motivated by faith. " (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 237).
Above all, you have the obligation to provide for its safe and worthy storage and maintenance. Purchasing reliquaries, frames or other materials for that purpose is a task given to each custodian of relics, or to anyone who has been entrusted with the care of holy relics.