In a Nutshell
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| Food for Thought | ||||
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The word "relic" in common usage refers to something of the past like a museum piece or antique -- an object kept in some special place because it has value. On the other hand I've noticed that when people want to accent the ongoing value of old traditions or values, they will say, "These aren't just relics of the past." The fear, it appears, is that if people regard older values as relics, they'll consider them valueless. This brings me to the practice within the church of venerating relics of the saints. Often these relics are indeed kept apart, somewhat like museum pieces. Clearly, however, they aren't considered "just relics of the past." What value do such relics still have? Pope Benedict XVI talked about this when he visited Cologne, Germany, in 2005. |
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Relics that have made their way into my life
By Dolores R. LeckeyCatholic News Service
In the interests of true disclosure, let it be said that I love relics. I love all kinds of relics, the official relics of the saints and all the other relics that are part of human life. In the case of the latter, a walk through a cemetery allows one to touch, ever so subtly, something of the people whose DNA remains on the hillside or under a tree.
I live just outside Washington near Arlington National Cemetery, and I used to visit there with some regularity. Reading the gravestones was often a lesson in history and a reminder that life is full of courage as well as fragility.
Road signs for pilgrims in our times
By Jem SullivanCatholic News Service
Without reliable road signs, people would travel hopelessly from one spot to the another. A good sign points us in the right direction.
Relics are "signs" that direct us toward God, Pope Benedict XVI said during the 2005 World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany. He called upon thousands of young pilgrims gathered there, following a pilgrimage practice in Cologne's cathedral dating to medieval times, to venerate relics of the holy Magi.
Bringing the challenge of Christian living home today
By Father John W. Crossin, OSFSCatholic News Service
Almost every month of my 30-plus years of priesthood I have had a saint, a devotion, a spiritual book, a pilgrimage or a prayer recommended to me. These recommendations usually come with the strong -- and sometimes visible -- emotional commitment of friends, acquaintances or parishioners.
I try to be supportive of the spiritual lives of all the people I meet, but if I practiced all that they recommend to me I would be busy 24/7.
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Faith in the Marketplace | |
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 This Week's Discussion Point: Tell of a saint you regard as courageous. How was he/she courageous? |
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Selected Response From Readers: |
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