Posted on 10/06/2006 10:41:30 AM PDT by NYer
The first Christians prayed and had their masses in the catacombs, not only for security but more importantly to be with and pray along with the deceased, "Those asleep in Christ".
It's not decaying...it's incorrupt, which is miraculous. And the word is veneration not venerance. Go read some history to see how the first Christians treated the bodies of the saints and martyrs of their time. Relics of a saint are still inlaid in every traditional Catholic permanent altar.
It just seems like an outdated religious ceremony, as many ceremonies are in that religion many of which have a shady background.
Nothing noble and just can ever be "outdated". The Church is timeless and is not at the whim of ever changing opinions of modern man. There are many practices that the Catholic Church retains because of their immense value despite the failure of modern man to appreciate them.
It was a beautiful old church, hardly wreck-ovated except for the altar of course, and the tabernacle off to the side.
The Knights of Columbus were there all decked out and it was very well organized. I think they had at least 3 separate places set up for confession and people were waiting in line for all of them. Just before entering the church, there were people handing out an information pamphlet about St. John Vinanney, relics, why we venerate them etc. and a little St. John Vianney medal which had been blessed.
Four people at a time were able to kneel before the relics at a time. No one stayed more than a few minutes, but many remained in the church and continued to pray.
The heart itself, although brownish in color was completely intact.
All in all it was a very moving experience.
Thank you for posting the details. Wish I could have been there!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.