Now it is possible to "venerate" this "holy relic". Sad. Sad story.
Amazing and pitiful.
Thank God for Father Kenneth Baker in his essay, "The Amazing Gift of the Priesthood" who clarifies the debate when he informs us that "priests are 'another Christ' in both their professional and private lives."
So while a few RCs might like to tell us these dudes are just some regular Joes (which of course they are except for their high-priced footwear) they sure aren't treated like that by the laity who kiss their rings and bow their heads and pray over their shredded robes.
That term alter Christus does not mean the Catholic Church teaches each priest is some new fresh Messiah. Catholicism teaches no such thing.