Relics
Welcome to Mary Help of Christians,
home to over 700 relics of the saints.
What Are Relics?
The word relic comes from the Latin reliquiae, which translates into “remains”. Relics are physical objects that have a direct association with the saints or with Our Lord.
WHAT DO RELICS DO?
Pope Benedict XVI: “Relics point us to God Himself; it is He who, by the power of His grace, grants fragile beings the courage to bear witness to Him before the world. In inviting us to venerate the mortal remains of martyrs and saints, the Church does not forget that, in the final analysis, these are poor human bones, but bones that belonged to persons visited by the living Power of God. The relics of the saints are traces of that invisible but real presence which illuminates the darkness of the world, manifesting the Kingdom of Heaven which is within us.”
WHAT DOES THE CHURCH SAY ABOUT RELICS?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines veneration as “showing devotion and respect to Mary, the Apostles and the martyrs, who were viewed as faithful witnesses to faith in Jesus Christ. Later, veneration was given to those who led a life of prayer and self-denial in giving witness to Christ, whose virtues were recognized and publicly in their canonization as saints. Such veneration is often extended to the relics or remains of those recognized as saints; indeed, to many sacred objects and images. Veneration must be clearly distinguished from adoration and worship, which are due to God alone. (CCC glossary)
HOW CAN I FIND A SAINT’S RELIC HERE?
There are folders on the tables at the back of the church that have a “map” and each cabinet with the names of the saints therein. Each relic has a small plaque with the saint’s patronage and feast day.