How to honour a relic

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levavi

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Dear all

I am fortunate to have been given a first-class relic, a fragment of bone taken from the skeleton of a saint about to be interred for public veneration in a church.

This was an honour from clergy who are friends after a request.

The issue is: how shall I best house and venerate it? At the moment I have it in a padded box, wrapped up.

But I’d like to put it in a reliquary.

Any ideas for mounting it: I mean, good glue that won’t damage the relic?

Also, what to put inside by way of labelling?

I am concerned that I don’t have any official documentation, apart from a photocopy of the original approval from the bishop, not pertaining to my fragment, but perhaps I could house that in the back of the reliquary?

Any suggestions gratefully received.
 
levavi said:
Dear all

I am fortunate to have been given a first-class relic, a fragment of bone taken from the skeleton of a saint about to be interred for public veneration in a church.

This was an honour from clergy who are friends after a request.

The issue is: how shall I best house and venerate it? At the moment I have it in a padded box, wrapped up.

But I’d like to put it in a reliquary.

Any ideas for mounting it: I mean, good glue that won’t damage the relic?

Also, what to put inside by way of labelling?

I am concerned that I don’t have any official documentation, apart from a photocopy of the original approval from the bishop, not pertaining to my fragment, but perhaps I could house that in the back of the reliquary?

Any suggestions gratefully received.
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Frankly, in my personal opinion ALL first class relics should be in the hands of the Church and not individuals.
 
Oh, well, thanks for that edifying advice.

I hope it’s not jealousy that motivates such a judgmental response?

Does anyone have any bright ideas?
 
levavi said:
Oh, well, thanks for that edifying advice.

I hope it’s not jealousy that motivates such a judgmental response?

Does anyone have any bright ideas?
Click to expand...
Jealousy?? Are you nuts?? Talk about being judgemental!!
This is a public forum where we can give our opinions or can we only give opinions if they agree with you!
I was expressing my opinion on where first class relics should be housed and that in my view is with the Church.
 
No, you’re welcome to give an opinion.

And now may I have an opinion on what to do with my relic, rather than one which casts aspersions on my having it at all?
 
First class relics, aren’t really my cup of tea either. I feel that the remains of the dead should be in a church or cemetery. However, since you already have the relic (which as far as I know isn’t a sin), I would ask the people you received the relic from if they know. Good luck finding out. I’m curious too.😃
 
One of my friends (currently studying as a Franciscan Friar) was given a first-class relic of Blessed Brother André Bessette (the founder of St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal), in similar fashion to the way you were -by some acquaintances…but w/o the request I believe. It is housed in a type of clear casing with a metal frame and back, with a small loop on the frame, and was given to him replete with a chain. He wears it around his neck (it’s about the same size length and width] as a medal…just a little deeper).

Most of our fixed altars have saints’ relics in them: Canon 1237.

I work with a half-paralyzed priest who is wheelchair bound, has parkinson’s and several other infirmnities. In order to celebrate Mass he needs special assistance and a mobile altar at a convenient height. He has a first class relic of St. Francis Xavier in a permanently sealed casing with a glass face (slightly larger than a quarter, but again deeper).

When he celebrates Mass on that altar, the relic of St. Francis Xavier is placed at the foot of the crucifix on the altar. Technically, this is not actually liturgically correct concerning both placement, and concerning a relic in a “moveable” altar. However, the fact that the priest is severely ill (only one hand working for all intents and purposes) and desires to continue celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass over the relics of saints, combined with the fact that the relic and altar are kept locked in the sacristy of the Institution at all other times except for Mass ensures the safekeeping and respect due to the relic.

Blessed Brother André said that holding a blessed medal in our hand while invoking the saint whose image is on the medal , awakens our faith. One would think it must be similar to do so with a blessed private relic…don’t you think?

These are just two instances I know of. In my limited opinion, the key would be respect.
 
Thank you for these comments.

Just to clarify, I know I said I made a request but this was only general (“I’d love to have a relic to venerate”) and later the gift was given.

I am looking for a suitable monstrance, but I guess I might go down the pendant route…

Wonder how to “house” it anywhere safely though…?

Meantime, I kiss it every night before bed (then my wife!).
 
I have a friend that has a relic on a pendant. It is very special to her. I think if I had one I would have it placed in a blessed crucifix that I could hang in my house. Or I would have it in a rosary that could be blessed and used. It would be a very special rosary that both you and your wife could pray together with. Blessings
 
To update: Regarding the relic of St. Francis Xavier I related in post # 7 of this thread - I took a closer look today levavi while venrating it before Mass. Although we keep the encased pendant in a clear plastic box, when I opened the box I noticed that the housing of this relic (although larger than a medal) has a chain attached to it also- as if it were meant to be worn as well.
 
I suggest that the relic be placed on a special “shrine” (note: I use this term for lack of better choice of words) for it. You should have a statue or picture or icon of the saint also present. Candles and flowers should also adorn this shrine. You should buy a suitable reliquary for it.

I suggest you bring it to prayer groups too so that relic is also given some public eposure. Other than that you are blessed to have a first class relic. Also, no one should fear such relics. There is nothing creepy about having such relics in your home. However, one should take great care to honor them by placing them in a proper place at home.
 
Thank you! Great suggestions!

Any ideas where I can buy a suitable reliquary / reliquary cross etc?
 
My friend doesn’t wear her relic encased in a pendant just as like a medal, or piece of jewelry. She only brings it with her or wears it if someone wants to have something blessed and prayed over. Like if someone is about to give birth or go on a trip. My niece was trying to get pregnant so we prayed together. It should be honored special. I’m not sure how to encase it, but then have a priest bless it.
 
To Levavi and Thistle -

I, too, am in possession of numerous first-class relics, most of which I obtained in Rome - one here at the shrine of a saint.

I, too, begin to think that the Church should be in possession of first-class relics. But I haven’t been too quick to relinquish mine either !

I keep one exposed - a piece of Our Lady’s veil. It is attached to the right-hand fingertips of a large Infant of Prague, which was given to me by my deceased mother. She placed it there. The Infant of Prague was given an honored place - specially-made shelf in that room - His gown sewn by my mother. (I am ashamed to say that my housekeeping is dreadful - so keeping it out leaves it susceptible to dust everywhere.)

I have a relic of the True Cross - which I keep housed in a special Cross-shaped reliquary stand and packed away in the reliquary’s box. However, with TV on in my house, I’ve been afraid that I’m insulting Our Lord (with all the dreadful things on TV - even if just in commercials). I keep the reliquary in another room - it comes out once a year, on Good Friday.

My other first-class relics - bones of saints remain in the small, metallic relic holders wrapped and packed with their documentation - but I don’t take them out and I guess I should - on All Saints Day and on their respective feast days. Perhaps, this is not the best place for them - just packed in a drawer - but right now I’m on hold with these.
 
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