relics

[exiled]

How do people obtain a relic? Not a first class, but a second class? I recently called the National Shrine of St. Gerard to ask how to get a second class relic (if possible) for an expectant mother in a perilous situation. It seems I misunderstood them, I thought they were actually sending a bit of St. Gerard’s handkerchief, but it is only one that was touched to it. Anyway, I’d like to send a relic with this mother who is going in for a very difficult surgery, if I can get one.
Am I asking the impossible?

 

[CathMass]

It is not possible to obtain bits of the original handkerchief of St. Gerard. You can only get a blessed hankerchief touched to his relic. However, these blessed handkerchiefs are just as effective. It does not matter what class relic it is. What matters is your faith and prayers along with the pious use of the sacramental.

Second Class relics of canonized saints are just as hard to get as first class relics.

However, you can get some second class relics of certain non-beatified or non-canonized individuals like John Paul II and Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos.

 

[jmcrae]

How do people obtain a relic? Not a first class, but a second class? I recently called the National Shrine of St. Gerard to ask how to get a second class relic (if possible) for an expectant mother in a perilous situation. It seems I misunderstood them, I thought they were actually sending a bit of St. Gerard’s handkerchief, but it is only one that was touched to it. Anyway, I’d like to send a relic with this mother who is going in for a very difficult surgery, if I can get one.
Am I asking the impossible?

I normally get them by accident. I have never intentionally obtained a relic, although I have several.

In my case, the procedure is to randomly walk into a holy place and be given it by the bored person who is standing by the door, who thinks I 'look like" I need something and perhaps a relic of Saint so-and-so will help in some way.

I’m sorry - I realize that doesn’t help you.

Maybe you could pray to St. Gerard, and if he thinks you need the relic, he will find some way to get it to you.

 

[thistle]

It is not possible to obtain bits of the original handkerchief of St. Gerard. You can only get a blessed hankerchief touched to his relic. However, these blessed handkerchiefs are just as effective. It does not matter what class relic it is. What matters is your faith and prayers along with the pious use of the sacramental.

Second Class relics of canonized saints are just as hard to get as first class relics.

However, you can get some second class relics of certain non-beatified or non-canonized individuals like John Paul II and Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos.

It is forbidden under Canon Law to buy or sell relics.

 

[jmcrae]

It is forbidden under Canon Law to buy or sell relics.

That’s true. I think they get around it by requesting a “recommended donation” for the relic.

Any that I have ever gotten were gifts, though - I never gave anyone any money.