(Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle)
Newy 87.8 FM – The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will host a first-class relic of St Carlo Acutis, described as the world's first millennial saint, during the week of 8-14 September.
Announcing the visit, the Diocese has published answers to ten common questions about relics, explaining that the English word comes from the Latin 'reliquiae', meaning remains or 'the things left behind'.
In the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, relics refer to the physical remains of saints, such as hair, bone or blood, or objects they touched during their earthly life.
The Diocese said Catholics do not worship relics, as worship is reserved for God alone. Instead, the term 'veneration' is used, meaning deep respect similar to that shown to an older family member or a person of exceptional merit.
Authentication of relics requires the certification of a bishop and is usually accompanied by documentation detailing their history and origin. The trading of relics is strictly forbidden, though they are often gifted or bequeathed to communities or individuals.
Relics are commonplace in local faith communities, with most church altars housing relics within them. They can also be found in schools and convents, often inside cavities within the buildings.
In 1901, Bishop James Murray received a small box containing sufficient relics to make 30 to 40 altar stones for the churches of the then-new diocese.
Join the discussion on Facebook.
