Images and information courtesy of The Home Oratory.
On the feast of All Saints in Rome a wonderful old tradition has been revived by the FSSP known as the Solenne Ostensione delle Reliquie ("Solemn Ostentation of the Relics"). This ceremony is carried out after Mass and before Vespers on the evening of All Saints when the faithful gather for the unique ceremony that draws many parishioners and visitors alike.
Beforehand the parish's vast collection of relics are first laid out on guarded display atop a side altar of the church. Then the pastor holds each relic individually to show to all while his associate chants in Italian the information announcing the relic for all to hear. The pastor then raises the relic and blesses the faithful. Afterwords, each relic is placed atop the high altar.
This ceremony gives vivid meaning to the phrase, “being raised to the honor of the altars,” and more importantly so, to the beginning antiphon for the Second Vespers of the feast, which immediately follows the ceremony (taken from Rev. 7:9): “I beheld, and, lo, great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, (and kindreds, and people, and tongues), stood before the throne" ("After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne.").
After the last relic of the saints is presented, the most treasured relic of the parish collection is taken out — the relic of the true cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which all this time is reserved and covered on a separate side altar. The Vexilla Regis is sung as the relic of the cross is brought out in procession down the center aisle, and then presented to the congregation in an act of benediction.
Then the relic is brought back to the sacristy, as relics of the cross are never exposed along with those of the saints (this is because it is a greater relic). There is a difference of honour we render to God compared to that of the saints; for to Him alone we give latria (adoration), whilst to the saints, we give only dulia (veneration). Thus, the antiphon for Matins on All Saints: “O come, let us worship the Lord, the King of Kings, for He is Himself the Crown of all the Saints."
This annual event is a wonderful tradition and we encouraged readers to consider visiting Rome to witness this venerable custom, developed through the ages to inspire the Christian faithful on All Saints. Once again it has been made available for the benefit and edification of all who are privileged to witness this rare and grace-filled ceremony.
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