Few points of faith can be more satisfactorily traced back to the earliest ages of Christianity than the veneration of relics. The classical instance is to be found in the letter written by the inhabitants of Smyrna, about 156, describing the death of St. Polycarp. After he had been burnt at the stake, we are told that his faithful disciples wished to carry off his remains, but the Jews urged the Roman officer to refuse his consent for fear that the Christians “would only abandon the Crucified One and begin to worship this man”. Eventually, however, as the Smyrnaeans say, “we took up his bones, which are more valuable than precious stones and finer than refined gold, and laid them in a suitable place, where the Lord will permit us to gather ourselves together, as we are able, in gladness and joy, and to celebrate the birthday of his martyrdom.” (New Advent Article)
The Discovery of the Bodies of St. Gervase and St. Protase
Holy Blood in Bruge
St. Therese in Baghdad
St. Therese in USA
Sadly, a forgotten feast. And parishes no longer display their relics…
We don’t want to scandalize our Protestant “brethren”. Never mind the fact the practice of veneration of relics goes back to the beginning of the Church.
May i know that what is the last relics on the last photo?
It looks really…….nice because of the picture on the cover.
Sorry Calvin, I don’t know. It is in the East.