Relic Collection

A relic is a remnant of a saint, venerated by Christians as a means of God's grace. In most cases, these relics are a part of the saint’s body; items belonging to saints and pieces of cloth pressed against a saint’s bones are also considered relics. Notable relics are usually contained in cases called thecas and reliquaries; these cases can be quite ornate, or they can be small enough to slip into a pocket.

The majority of Saints Peter and Paul’s collection is housed within special cabinets in the sacristy, which is displayed in front of the Marian altar each fall in commemoration of All Saints Day. Others can be found year-round in the rear of the Church or St. Francis of Assisi Chapel.

Traditionally relics have been organized into three classes:

1st A part of a saint’s body

2nd An object which was in close proximity to the saint

3rd Items devoutly touched to first-class relics

Touching the body of the Lord Jesus or one of the saints for a holy purpose is well recorded in both the Old and New Testaments (see 2 Kings 13:21, John 9:6-7, et al). Scripture even records objects used by the Lord and saints as being means of special favors (see 2 Kings 2:13-14, Mark 5:27-29, and Acts 5:15-16).

Click on each image thumbnail to enlarge details and scroll through the collection.
*Designates saints who were also Popes.