Is the Veneration of Relics Biblical?
Recently, I watched a ceremony in which Cardinal Pietro Parolin handled and honored what is identified as the skull relic of St. Agatha. The relic was placed inside an ornate reliquary and treated with profound religious reverence. The ceremony troubled me deeply... I shared a sincere question with some Catholic friends and family: When human remains are crowned, kissed, carried in religious processions, and treated as sacred, how is this meaningfully different from idolatry? A dear friend, graciously responded by sharing a Catholic Answers article titled “The Veneration of Relics: A Catholic Perspective.” I appreciate their willingness to engage with my question. Because I love them and the other people in this group, I want to respond with the same love and sincerity. My purpose is not to insult Catholics or question anyone’s motives. I once called myself Catholic, and many people I love remain Catholic. My desire is simply that we examine every religious practice in the light ...
