November 10th, 2024
Question: Whose relic is by the ambo at St. Mary of the Woods? Can the ID be larger to read?
Answer: The reliquary at St. Mary of the Woods contains three relics from Fatima, Portugal. There is a piece of the coffin of Saint Jacinta at the top and a piece of the coffin of Saint Francisco at the bottom. In the middle, there is a piece from the tree that Mary appeared over during the apparitions in 1917. The relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta (two of the Fatima children) are 2nd class relics. 1st class relics come from the body of the saint. 2nd class relics are something that touched the person or belonged to them during their life (like a piece of clothing). 3rd class relics are items that have been touched to a 1st class relic.
While some people question the use of relics, their use is supported in the Bible. For example, in Acts of the Apostles 19:12, handkerchiefs and aprons from St. Paul were touched to sick people, and the sick people were healed. These handkerchiefs and aprons demonstrate the power of relics (2nd class relics in this case). Relics are enclosed in a theca, which is a small container that is closed with a wax seal on the back. The wax seal must be unbroken and should match the seal that is on the certificate that guarantees the authenticity of the relic. The theca cannot be opened without breaking the seal, so we are not able to modify the labels to make them easier to read. Relics must have the seal intact to be used for public veneration.
God bless,
Father Shawn Landenwitch
If you have a question you would like to ask Father Shawn, please put it in the offertory basket or drop it off at the Parish office. Father Shawn will review it, form his answer, and then we will post the answer in the bulletin to educate you and others.