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Most Catholics don’t know which saint’s relics rest beneath their parish altar — but we should. Recovering that knowledge could deepen our devotion and our life at Mass.
Canon 1237 states, “The ancient tradition of placing relics of martyrs or other saints under a fixed altar is to be preserved, according to the norms given in the liturgical books.”
Do you know which saint is under the altar at your parish? We should! I have written a letter to Pope Leo, asking him to declare a new plenary indulgence for attending Mass on the feast day of the saint whose relics are under the altar. I’ll let you all know as soon as I hear back.
In the meantime, priests: Tell your parishioners what saint’s relics are under the altar (if you know). Encourage your parishioners to attend Mass on the saint’s feast day. Lay people: ask your priest about the relics. Encourage devotion to that saint in your family.
Let’s be saints.
* * * * * * *
A Letter to Pope Leo XIV
Continued below.
www.ncregister.com
Canon 1237 states, “The ancient tradition of placing relics of martyrs or other saints under a fixed altar is to be preserved, according to the norms given in the liturgical books.”
Do you know which saint is under the altar at your parish? We should! I have written a letter to Pope Leo, asking him to declare a new plenary indulgence for attending Mass on the feast day of the saint whose relics are under the altar. I’ll let you all know as soon as I hear back.
In the meantime, priests: Tell your parishioners what saint’s relics are under the altar (if you know). Encourage your parishioners to attend Mass on the saint’s feast day. Lay people: ask your priest about the relics. Encourage devotion to that saint in your family.
Let’s be saints.
* * * * * * *
A Letter to Pope Leo XIV
Continued below.
Whose Relics Are Under Your Altar?
COMMENTARY: Most Catholics don’t know which saint’s relics rest beneath their parish altar — but we should. Recovering that knowledge could deepen our devotion and our life at Mass.
