Venerating saints body parts makes me uncomfortable

  • Thread starter Thread starter margaret_mander
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

margaret_mander

Guest
It never made me feel weird until now, when I was looking up pictures of st Lawrence Decon and martyr. I seen a picture of his burnt head encased in a glass jar decorated with jewels.
Then I got thinking of all the “incorrupt” saints that people visit from around the world and touch items to and have relics of, and it got me thinking that it seems like without some Catholics realising it, they’re kind of “worshipping” these things… Like I said this never hit me until right now, but it just seems morbid to want to touch the dead body of a saint, I know they are holy people but they’re still not God… Does anyone know what I’m trying to say?
I’ve never been one for bodily relics, maybe some cloths of my favorite saints, or rocks where the blessed mother has appeared, but pieces of bone or half rotten corpses freak me out
 
Last edited:
Yes I know we do but what I’m saying is some catholics seem to “over do” the whole saints relics thing without realizing it, do you see what I mean?
 
Last edited:
I feel we cannot look into the heart of others to judge their intentions. I get told I am overdoing the religion thing by attending daily Mass.

We must focus on our own Spirituality, and go where the Holy Spirit leads us. And respect the spirituality of others and their own personal pilgrim journey home to God.

We are all pilgrims on earth
 
Yes I was raised catholic its nothing to do with that I love the saints They’re like our older siblings to intercede for us to God, but like I said it just hit me right now that it seems morbid how some people are with the saints body parts
 
The relics are reminders of the lives of the saints and our admiration for them. We pray for their intercession, they are our helpers on our earthly journey. Do not focus on what others are doing but on your own spirituality.
 
I am saying this gently. You were concerned that others were overdoing it.

That’s a judgement on another’s religious practice.

And yes I am judging your response.

My priest says

More love, less words ( or thoughts, or judgments).
 
There is nothing that requires you to venerate a relic. If it bothers you, don’t do it.

It is a simple solution.
 
I don’t think anyone’s getting what I mean I’m not judging other people who venerate saints relics I’m just saying picture your mother or siblings burnt head encased in a jar in your house, wouldn’t that make you feel uncomfortable? Hahah I’m saying just because its a saint doesn’t make it any different than that situation for me. I do believe in the saints and praying for their intersession to God I love them I just feel like if I was a saint looking down on people touching my dead body I’d be a little freaked out haha, also on a related note, aren’t we suppose to burry the dead? Does anyone have documents about why saints bodies are aloud to be put on display?
 
… I’m not being judgmental I’m just asking a question… Please also see my last response
 
I understand. I don’t understand the veneration of saint’s dead body parts either. Or the kissing of holy objects
 
I understand what you are saying. The Church is over 2000 years old and has existed through different cultures and cultural values. What we can see today as very strange, was not , at the time. These days saints are treated a little differently, physically. One example is St Padre Pio. Another St Mother Therese.
 
It is very normal to be uncomfortable with certain things. Everyone has their areas were they can relate and their areas where they can’t. Personally, after I am dead I would LOVE if my eyes could go to someone who lost one. My mom feels weirded out by it. Just 2 different opinions that are both valid.

And yes, there are some people who overdo Catholic practices. It is right in the bible ‘beware of wolves in sheeps clothing’. Sadly, sometimes those are the people the devil uses to bring down Catholism.

However, I think what others are trying to point it is, only God can judge these people’s hearts. All you need to do is pray for discernment if they are safe for you
 
I can see the kissing of holy objects like the cross or even kissing a medal of a saint because like I said the saints are like our older siblings that are there to help us become closer to God
 
I’ve heard of people chewing saint bones. Many people are going to kiss that cross. It’s about sanitation
 
I don’t want people thinking I’m judging someones heart or spirituality or what they believe on the subject because I’m NOT! Maybe my wording in asking he question was off a little but just asking a question and saying the practice seems strange is not judging someone
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top