How do I acquire a relic? QUESTION from Peter November 16, 2000 How can I acquire a relic of St. Jean Vianney?
I had (and of course, still have!) a fond devotion to the great Saint. We baptized our daughter with Vianney as one of her middle names. I would dearly like to acquire a relic of the good Saint, but don't know who I should talk to, or where I would ask for one. Could you advise me?
Sincerely, Peter
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, O.L.S.M. on March 2, 2001 Dear Mr. Peter:
First Class relics are no longer available to private citizens since they are suppose to be in the hands of churches or chapels or religious communities, or other places where they may be publically venerated.
But it is still possible to get a First Class relic if someone who has one gives it to you. But it is prudent to discourage private individuals from obtaining or keeping First Class relics. First Class relics really belong to all the faithful and should be available for public veneration.
Third Class relics, on the other hand, you may be able to get from the Shrine of St. Jean Vianney in France. Or they may be able to direct your elswhere to get one. The URL for the Shrine is:
http://arsnet.org/anglais/
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