Venerating a Saint's Relics- First Time

[iwillrisenow]

The remains of St. Maria Goretti will be traveling nearby soon as part of the Pilgrimage of Mercy. I’ve never had the experience of venerating relics, let alone major ones!

From what I understand, those who make pilgrimage will have about 10-15 seconds to kneel down, pray, and touch articles to the container housing the relics (articles that then become third class relics themselves). Some of these articles might be photos of loved ones, prayer cards, crosses, etc.

God willing, should I have the opportunity, simply being present will be enough. I may also bring photos of my family members, a crucifix, a rosary (with vocation-related significance), and some prayer cards.

For photos, have you brought images of deceased members as well as living? The only physical photos that I happen to have on hand are older ones that include my grandmother and father, who are both deceased…

For prayer cards, do you bring cards related solely to that saint or others as well (e.g.- Sacred Heart, St. Mary, your patron saint, etc.)?

Is there anything else that you have brought to pray for particular people or groups in need (e.g.- have you brought something to pray for a particular vulnerable person or population)?

Thank you-- and I pray that many others of you have the opportunity to encounter these relics as well in the year to come!

 

[Exiled_Child]

A few years ago Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s éscritoire came to the cathedral by my apartment, and it was displayed in a glass case. You could look at it and get very close to it, but you weren’t allowed to actually touch it or touch an object to it. I am very curious what the answer to your question is, but I just don’t know. Possibly you could just ask a priest or bishop to do it for you? Whatever the answer turns out be, I too would love to make a pilgrimage like that!

Oh, and as an aside, Thérèse’s writing desk was a thing of beauty. Thomas Jefferson also had a spectacular one - it would make a superb project for a talented woodworker.

 

[iwillrisenow]

Thank you for your reply, Exiled Child.…I was able to go to the church where the relics are this afternoon…We were able to touch the case and in the end, I touched the photos of my family members, the crucifix, and a rosary…when I arrived home, I opened the pouch where I kept them and the rosary had the distinct fragrance of roses! There is no perfume or lotion around and I do not recall the scent anywhere when I was there or on the rosary before…about fifteen minutes later, the fragrance is gone…

 

[redbaron162]

Thank you for your reply, Exiled Child.…I was able to go to the church where the relics are this afternoon…We were able to touch the case and in the end, I touched the photos of my family members, the crucifix, and a rosary…when I arrived home, I opened the pouch where I kept them and the rosary had the distinct fragrance of roses! There is no perfume or lotion around and I do not recall the scent anywhere when I was there or on the rosary before…about fifteen minutes later, the fragrance is gone…

Neat, I am going to see her on the 26th. I haven’t decided what to bring yet, most likely my KOC Rosary and something else. This is my first time seeing a relic outside of the ones at much church which are just the small reliquary’s. I am very excited.