In the previous blog posts, I told you about the reliquary of Jose Sanchez del Rio and Blessed Father Stefan Wincenty Frelichowski. Someone asked me about the difference between a reliquary and a reliquary-case. Therefore you will learn how the mortal remains of saints are stored and what is the difference between a reliquary and a reliquary case.
Reliquary – what is it used for?
A reliquary is a vessel used to store the relics.
Relics are the mortal remains of saints or objects that a saint came into contact with during lifetime.
A reliquary protects relics and increases their accessibility to the faithful.
For example, in the photo below there is a reliquary we created for the relics of St. Faustina Kowalska.
Who is a saint?
The Church declares sainthood through the canonization process. Therefore, only after the canonization process is completed does the Catholic Church allow universal veneration of a saint.
A reliquary allows us to draw closer to a specific saint or blessed person. When praying through the saint’s intercession, a spiritual bond is formed between the person praying and the saints. This is why we can implore graces from God through their intercession.
Reliquaries – Most Common Shapes and Materials
The first reliquaries resembled boxes or sarcophags. The monstrance shape was (and still is) also popular. We also frequently receive inquiries about a cross-shaped reliquary. Some reliquaries are made using the heads or busts of saints.
The photo below shows our universal reliquary.
The common element among all types of reliquaries is the relic holder, a space where relics of a saint can be placed. Relic holder is usually placed centrally. In reliquaries with figures or busts of saints, the relic holder is placed often at heart level.
Reliquary design is important not only for aesthetics but also for its functionality. A reliquary should have a stable base. Reliquaries often have a comfortable foot, which can be held by the priest who offers the relics to the faithful for kissing.
A bronze or gold reliquary?
Throughout history, artists have crafted reliquaries from various materials: gilded brass, cast bronze, gold, nickel, and even wood. We create bronze reliquaries.
Reliquaries- what are the most common shapes?
Our reliquaries have shapes that are associated in some way with the saint or significant events in his life.
Designing of the reliquary of St. Padre Pio, shown in the photo below, we focused on the saint’s hands. St. Padre Pio had stigmata, bleeding wounds on his hands for 50 years.
The reliquary’s appearance can be inspired by famous paintings or photographs of saints. We can also create reliquaries in the style that dominates the saint’s place of worship.
Reliquary and reliquary-case. How to protect the relics.
A reliquary-case is the place where a reliquary is kept. A reliquary is most often a box or a glass display case with a lock.
Depending on the design, we can create a reliquary-case with or without illumination.
A freestanding reliquary-case often takes the form of a chapel placed on a column or a sculpture. Sometimes it is placed directly on a wall. A reliquary placed in a reliquary-case should be clearly visible to the faithful.
How to choose a reliquary and reliquary-case?
A reliquary is not only a spiritual work of art, but also a work of art. For centuries, artists have crafted reliquaries from various materials, from wood to 24-karat gold with precious stones.
We believe that a reliquary should be crafted with the utmost care, but its form should not overshadow its purpose.
A reliquary should be a reminder of the work of the Holy Spirit. It has permeated every saint and blessed person, and permeates us.
For a complete selection of reliquaries, please visit our store.
