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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Rite for the Veneration of a relic of the true Cross Jane Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Question:

A priest friend has asked about this. Apart from the Good Friday veneration of the cross, is there a Rite of Veneration of a relic of the True Cross exposed or otherwise? If so, where would he find a copy. He thinks he's read somewhere that at some point in history, such a relic was treated with almost as much reverence and adoration as the Blessed Sacrament.

Many thanks
Jane

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Jane,

I do not believe that such a rite exists, or for that matter, a rite of veneration of any relic at all.

I'm not saying that relics cannot be venerated publicly, even in church, but rather that that these "rites" are not celebrated liturgically, that is under the liturgical authority of the church.  Such veneration would fall under private devotional or personal prayer, even when celebrated with many people, just as the rosary is.

If your friend is aware of a group in history that has had a particular devotion to the relic that he also would like to use then he would probably need to contact that group directly (if they still exist) or research possibly to find the devotion.  Like I said, I don't believe it ever was part of the official universal Liturgy.

Mr. Slavek.
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

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