The St. Toribio Relics Tour visiting the Southland this week offers a timely reminder that “The Second Vatican Council recalls that the saints have been traditionally honored in the Church, and their authentic relics and images held in veneration” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, n. 236).
The term “relics of the saints” principally signifies the bodies — or notable parts of the bodies — of the saints who, as distinguished members of Christ's mystical body and as temples of the Holy Spirit in virtue of their heroic sanctity, now dwell in Heaven, but who once lived on earth.
Objects which belonged to the saints, such as personal objects, clothes and manuscripts are also considered relics, as are objects which have touched their bodies or tombs such as oils, cloths, and images.
The Missale Romanum reaffirms the validity “of placing the relics of the Saints under an altar that is to be dedicated, even when not those of the martyrs.” This usage signifies that the sacrifice of the members has its origin in the sacrifice of the altar, as well as symbolizing the communion with the sacrifice of Christ of the entire Church, which is called to witness, event to the point of death, fidelity to her Lord and Spouse.
Many popular usages have been associated with this eminently liturgical cultic expression. The faithful deeply revere the relics of the saints. An adequate pastoral instruction of the faithful about the use of relics will not overlook:
—ensuring the authenticity of the relics exposed for the veneration of the faithful. Where doubtful relics have been exposed for the veneration of the faithful, they should be discreetly withdrawn with due pastoral prudence.
—preventing undue dispersal of relics into small pieces, since such practice is not consonant with due respect for the human body. The liturgical norms stipulate that relics must be “of a sufficient size as make clear that they are parts of the human body.”
—admonishing the faithful to resist the temptation to form collections of relics. In the past this practice has had some deplorable consequences; preventing any possibility of fraud, trafficking or superstition.
The various forms of popular veneration of the relics of the saints, such as kissing, decorations with lights and flowers, bearing them in processions, in no way exclude the possibility of taking the relics of the saints to the sick and dying, to comfort them or use the intercession of the saint to ask for healing. Such should be conducted with great dignity and be motivated by faith.
The relics of the saints should not be exposed on the mensa of the altar, since this is reserved for the Body and Blood of the King of Martyrs.
From the “Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy. Principles and Guidelines” (Vatican City, December 2001).
