Reliquary Chapel
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Thank you for visiting the Reliquary Chapel at Assumption Church!
First Class Relics of the following Saints can be found in the chapel. Please click on the name of the saints to learn more about them and their stories.
RELICS IN THE ASSUMPTION RELIQUARY CHAPEL:
The True Cross
Veil of the Blessed Mother
St. Teresa of Avila
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Therese of Lisieux
St. Bridget of Sweden
St. Gemma Galgani
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Louise de Marillac
St. Catherine Laboure
St. Patrick
St. Paul of the Cross
St. Anthony of Padua
St. Stanislaus
St. Dominic
St. Columbanus
St. Camillus de Lellis
St. Agnes
St. Maria Goretti
St. Cecilia
St. Julia
St. Bartholomew, Apostle
St. John, Apostle
St. Thaddeus (or Jude), Apostle
St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin
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Additional Information on Relics
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What is a relic?
Relics are objects associated with saints.
Note: All relics in the Assumption Reliquary Chapel are First Class relics.
There are three classes of relics:
1. FIRST CLASS: an actual body or part of the body of a saint
2. SECOND CLASS: A piece of clothing or any object used by a saint
3. THIRD CLASS: Any object that has touched a first class relic -
What do we do with relics?
Catholics venerate relics.
To venerate means to show devotion and respect. Veneration must be clearly distinguished from adoration and worship, which are due to God alone.
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Why do we venerate relics?
Relics provide a tangible experience of God's graces. As Catholics, we ask the saints to pray on our behalf before God. Relics provide a special (physical) connection with that saint.
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How to Venerate RelicsThe practice of venerating relics is encouraged by the Catholic Church. It is important to remember that, while honor is due to these relics, it is not the actual object that gives healing.
In venerating relics, it is most appropriate to show honor and respect to the saint by doing a simple exterior gesture.
For this space, appropriate veneration is shown by a sitting or kneeling in a prayerful attitude and signing oneself with the sign of the cross.
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About This Side ChapelThe reliquary side chapel was opened on All Saints' Day, 2025. This chapel came to be under the pastorship of Fr. Timothy Deely and was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop William Waltershied. The chapel's presence at Assumption Church was made possible by a generous donation left as a bequest by a young parishioner who passed away. The relics had been found in a box in the church's saferoom prior to the merging of the parish into Regina Coeli. Most of the relics had proper authentication paperwork, and those that did not were authenticated by a relic expert from the Vatican. The Crucifix displayed in the chapel was previously used as a processional Crucifix at Assumption and may possibly be original to the church. It broke internally and was no longer able to be used as a processional Crucifix, and has since been repurposed for this chapel. The altar stone is from Assumption church as well, though its origins are unknown. It is our sincere hope that you find this chapel to be a quiet and peaceful spot in a busy world.
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