Frequently
Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Great question! A relic is an object of powerful spiritual importance, something related to the life of Our Lord, Our Lady, or a saint. Relics have formed an important part of Christian life and prayer since the earliest days of the Church. More information about relics can be found on the rest of this site.

  • Sacra identifies, repairs, and authenticates sacred relics. The apostolate also promotes the proper care and veneration of relics.

  • In most cases, Sacra researches relics that already belong to archives and parishes. Sacra begins by making an estimate of time, labour, research, and materials. Projects are carried out based on this agreed-upon proposal.

  • Sacra works with relevant ecclesiastical authorities where the work is performed to provide consulting, make repairs, and research questions of authenticity. Sacra has a network of experts in different dioceses and religious congregations. Sacra operates with the permission and approval of the local Ordinary.

  • Relics are sacred items, intended for devotion. If you have relics and would like to request more information about them, get in touch!

  • Relics may never be sold. Sacra does not sell relics, but we do consulting work. We do charge for repair work, restoration materials, research, and labour.

  • Simply put, no. The overwhelming majority of relics for sale are forgeries--even relics with documents. The faithful with all good intentions drive up prices in bidding wars on aged gauze and chicken bones. Pastors and religious superiors should consult Sacra before bidding.

  • Antique dealers and collectors sometimes sell relics, knowingly or unknowingly. While selling relics is always forbidden, it is nevertheless licit to make some financial contribution to return relics to church ownership. We may take the example of Saint Louis who rescued the Crown of Thorns from unbelieving hands in the Middle East. Because of its expertise and network, it is often possible for Sacra to negotiate the donation of relics and return them to sacred use. When this is impossible, Sacra uses donated funds to recover relics, these are always donated to places where they can be venerated again.

Pastors & Superiors

  • Absolutely, a large part of Sacra’s work is restoring relics to their former glory so they can once again be venerated.

  • It is often possible for Sacra to reissue documentation or evaluate a relic’s pedigree of ownership, preparation, and authenticity.

  • Sacra has an enormous library of relic contacts and information. It may be possible for us to tell you more about a relic’s provenance.

  • Please contact Sacra, we may be able to help.

  • Sacra finds loving homes for relics. Please get in touch.