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Roman Catholic AnswerBecause Mass used to be celebrated in the catacombs on the tombs of the Saints. This became a tradition so that when we came out of the catacombs, they still "entombed" pieces of saints in the altar stone.
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Is there bone of a saint in the altar of a Catholic church?

In the past it was required to have a relic of a martyr embedded in the altar of each church. That is no longer required. Also, those churches who wish a relic in their altar no longer must have a relic of a martyr. The relic of any saint may be used.


What do some altars in Catholic Churches contain as a reminder of the legacy of the early Church?

In the days when the Church was being persecuted, the early Christians held Mass in the catacombs of Rome, using the tomb of a martyr as an altar. It used to be a requirement that the main altar in every Catholic Church have an altar stone into which was sealed a first class relic of a saint, usually a martyr. In recent years this requirement has been abandoned but many older churches still have them.


Does an altar have a piece of bone from a saint in it?

The Church no longer requires that an altar have a relic of a saint embedded in it. However, most older churches as well as some newer churches have an altar stone with a relic of a saint, usually a martyr.


Is there a bone of saint buried under the altar of a Catholic Church?

From the earliest years of the Church until recently it has been customary to place a first class relic (small piece of the body) of a saint, usually a martyr, in an altar stone that is part of the altar. This is no longer a requirement. This was in remembrance of the early years when Mass was said in the catacombs on the tombs of the martyrs.


Does every Roman Catholic Church have an altar?

Since introduced by pope Zephyrinus, early in the third century, priests have celebrated the mass over the relics of the saints, either on fixed altars or portable stones or Greek corporals. Before an altar could be used for Mass, it had to have an altar stone inset - if it wasn't already above a crypt - and consecrated by a bishop. The liturgical commissions and canon lwayers that worked in the immediate Vatican II/Post-Vatican II era deemed that altar stones were no longer necessary and so many modern churches - anything built since the 1970's - have opted for wooden or stone altars that have no altar stone, and/or relics. Some pastors and bishops have even gone so far as to remove relics from older altars, with particular attention to side altars, and have either reposed them in a crypt, sold them, or disposed of them.


What saint is the relic of sacred heart Catholic church of merced California?

The relic housed in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merced, California, is a relic of Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as the "Little Flower." She is renowned for her simple yet profound spirituality and her "Little Way" of love and trust in God. Saint Therese was canonized in 1925 and is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. The relic serves as a reminder of her life and teachings, inspiring the faithful in their own spiritual journeys.


What doesa Biscilica mean in the Catholic faith?

Biscilica means a church that is historically significant or is sacred because of having a relic or relics.


How can one obtain a first class relic?

Obtaining a first-class relic typically involves obtaining a physical piece of a saint's body, such as a bone or a piece of clothing. This process usually requires approval from the Catholic Church and may involve contacting the relevant religious authorities or visiting a shrine or church where the relic is housed. It is important to approach the process with respect and understanding of the religious significance of relics in the Catholic faith.


What do relics symbolize in roman Catholic church?

Although I could paraphrase what has already been written, I highly recommend you visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relic#Roman_Catholic_classification_and_prohibitions This will properly explain the significance of relics in the Roman Catholic Church.


What is an ex capsa relic?

An ex capsa relic refers to a type of relic in the Catholic Church that is contained within a specific container or reliquary, known as a "capsa." These relics are often associated with saints and are venerated by the faithful. The term "ex capsa" signifies that the relic is housed within a particular box or case, highlighting its importance and the reverence in which it is held.


What is the significance of first class relics in the Catholic Church and how are they authenticated and preserved?

First class relics in the Catholic Church are physical remains of a saint or a significant religious figure. They hold great significance as they are believed to have a direct connection to the individual's holiness and are often used in religious practices and veneration. To authenticate first class relics, the Church typically relies on historical records, documentation, and the chain of custody of the relic. Preservation methods vary, but they often involve sealing the relic in a container or casing to protect it from damage or decay. Additionally, the Church may use specialized techniques such as carbon dating or DNA analysis to verify the authenticity of the relic.


What is an ex linteis relic?

An ex linteis relic is a term used in Roman Catholic Church to indicate a relic taken from the clothing of a saint or other holy person. These relics are considered sacred objects for veneration and are often displayed in churches as a form of spiritual connection to the individual they belonged to.