altar relics

[ryn]

I have been reading in these forums; and wasn’t sure where to post a question. I am trying to find out from whom or what the relics are that are contained in the altar stones in the two altars in our church. I have learned a lot about altars; but not the answer to my question. I’ve asked the priest and the oldest parishoners; no one seems to know. So I finally called the chancery of the diocese; they weren’t sure where to find out either; however, the sister I spoke to on the phone said that she would research it and call me back. Do you think that I am on the right track? Is there an online search that would help me find out?
ryn

 

[cameron_lansing]

I have been reading in these forums; and wasn’t sure where to post a question. I am trying to find out from whom or what the relics are that are contained in the altar stones in the two altars in our church. I have learned a lot about altars; but not the answer to my question. I’ve asked the priest and the oldest parishoners; no one seems to know. So I finally called the chancery of the diocese; they weren’t sure where to find out either; however, the sister I spoke to on the phone said that she would research it and call me back. Do you think that I am on the right track? Is there an online search that would help me find out?
ryn

Only the diocese and the parish would have those records. Unfortunately over time, records like this that were supposed to be preserved have been lost in many cases. But you are on the right track.

 

[AspiringDeacon]

At our parish, they don’t know what relic is in the altar. I think the altar has a relic installed upon manufacture, and they don’t necessarily always find out according to our pastor.

 

[CatholicCid]

I believe our Pastor once said that our Altar actually holds 5 different relics, one to represent each wound of Christ. I don’t know if this is true though for all Altars… I would assume Rome might know if you have to go that far back, since I believe they try to document where the Relics are and such

 

[ryn]

Only the diocese and the parish would have those records. .

I’ve already checked with our priest of 18 yrs. and the priest before that is deceased. I have also asked the oldest living members of the parish and they don’t know either. Should I assume that if the chancery at the diocese can’t find the records anywhere, that there is no other way to find out?
ryn

 

[ryn]

I believe our Pastor once said that our Altar actually holds 5 different relics, one to represent each wound of Christ. I don’t know if this is true though for all Altars… I would assume Rome might know if you have to go that far back, since I believe they try to document where the Relics are and such

Not all altars have relics. Prior to Vatican II, all altars were made with altar stones containing relics. According to our priest, since then the emphasis has been on Christ being present Himself in the Eucharist. Thus, no longer are all altars made with stones containing relics. However, our church, constructed in the early 1900’s, has relics in both the main altar and the smaller wooden altar that we use daily. Do you think that there is really a chance that there would be documentation in Rome?
ryn

 

[CatholicCid]

No clue, but that would be the last step in the chain in finding out…

 

[bpbasilphx]

<<I think the altar has a relic installed upon manufacture, and they don’t necessarily always find out according to our pastor.>>

Relics are not placed in the altar or altar stone UNTIL consecration. The deposition of the relics (as it is called) is part of the rite.