41. On the Cult of Relics

Andreas, a priest, often heard speak about notable Relics; but he does not know what they are. He also heard speak about the exposition of Relics, and blessing with Relics, and also about their procession, but he does not know how all these things ought to be done. Wherefore he desires to be instructed briefly in all these things, as regards those things which more belong to practice.

R. Notable Relics are the Body, Head, Arm, Leg, or that part of the body in which a Martyr suffered, provided it is whole and not small, and legitimately approved by the Ordinaries. S. R. C., 8 April 1628, to 3, Urbis. Bones of the femur would not be. Nor likewise the tibia. S. R. C., 3 June 1662, Dubium. - Thorns from the Crown of Our Lord Jesus Christ are counted among notable Relics, and are worthy of special cult. - Notable relics are to be kept not in monasteries, but in the exterior Church of nuns.

As regards the exposition of Relics, in all Churches it is licit to expose Relics, provided they are recognized by the bishop. S. R. C., 2 Sept. 1690, Fundana. - The abuse is to be eliminated of placing the Relics of Saints and pious images upon the tabernacle in which the most august sacrament is reserved; nor before the little door of the tabernacle, even if it is a Relic of the Most Holy Cross. S. R. C., 31 March 1821, to 6, General Decree; 12 March 1836, to 1, Triden. - But a Relic of the Most Holy Cross is to be separated from the Relics of Saints. - Under the Relic of some Saint, exposed to public veneration among candlesticks, a pall ought not to be used. S. R. C., 7 Apr. 1832, to 3, Ariminen. - When Relics of Saints are exposed, beyond the lamp, at least two lights must continuously burn upon the altar, though not at night; otherwise they are not to be exposed. S. R. C., 22 Jan. 1701, to 9, Congr. Mont. Coron. - Relics of the Blessed can be exposed, as images and statues, in churches in which the office and Mass of the Blessed can be recited and respectively celebrated.

As regards blessing with Relics, a priest in a private Mass, the Mass having been finished, vested in the sacred vestments, can distribute ashes and present relics to be kissed, if there is such a custom, after Mass is completed. S. R. C., 16 March 1833, to 5, n. 2704. - Before the wood of the Holy Cross openly exposed, one must genuflect on one knee in passing. S. R. C., 23 May 1835, to 2, n. 2722. In blessing with a relic of the Most Holy Cross, it is not licit to sing: Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, etc. S. R. C., 23 May 1835, to 3. - Blessing and the kiss of the Relic are to be omitted as long as the Most Holy Sacrament remains exposed. S. R. C., 17 July 1900.

As regards the procession of Relics, it is not licit, for any cause or custom whatever, to carry Relics of Saints processionally under a baldachin; nevertheless it can be tolerated and permitted that the wood of the Most Holy Cross and the other Instruments of the Lord's Passion, with attention to the peculiar veneration of these, and to the almost universal custom, be carried under a baldachin, provided it is done separately and apart from the Relics of Saints, to whom this distinctive honor is by no means fitting. S. R. C., 27 May 1826, n. 2647, General Decree. The decree seems to have to be understood of ordinary processions, which are customarily celebrated every year, but not of solemn ones for the translation of some sacred Image or Relics. - Relics of the Blessed are not to be carried about in processions. S. R. C., 27 Sept. 1659.