Search 

I remember when a relic exhibit came to my home parish when I was probably a younger teenager. Fragments of bones, pieces of cloth that had been touched to the bones of a saint, or something that had belonged to them, filled the parish hall in reliquaries of various sizes and shapes. We were allowed to see the reliquaries and read about each one- and it was truly a moving experience. But the more I think about that, the more I think how confusing that must look from a non-Catholic perspective. As an apologist, relics are one aspect of Catholicism that I struggled to explain- but truly, it's not as complex as you might think. You can totally explain relics in a way that's simple, easy to understand, and doesn't make Catholics out to be weirder than we are! Relics are deeply engrained in the Church's history, and their roots go back even further. They serve as a beautiful reminder of our brothers and sisters in Heaven and of our own mortality and impending final reward. What is a Relic? Relics are popularly classified in three categories: First, Second, and Third Class. First Class relics are pieces of bones or other body parts of a saint. Second-class relics are pieces of a saint's clothing or items they owned (Rosary, jewelry, etc.). Third-class relics are something that has been touched by a first-class relic. The Church has more specific categories, however, laid out in a 2017 document by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints entitled, Relics in the Church: Authenticity and Preservation. The document makes a distinction between significant and non-significant relics, with significant relics being "the body of the Blesseds and of the saints or notable parts of the bodies themselves or the sum total of the ashes obtained by their cremation," and non-significant relics being "Little fragments of the body of the Blesseds and of the Saints as well as objects that have come in direct contact with their person" This does not mean that non-significant relics are insignificant, only that they have a different level of care preserved by the Church than the whole, intact bodies or parts of bodies would. What is a Reliquary? A reliquary is a display case (typically gold) that holds and protects a relic. Typically, when looking at relics, we wouldn't touch the relic itself but rather view it through a sealed display, or only the reliquary it's in, to preserve it, as it is a fragile historical artifact. Bone and cloth can be handled only so many times before they disintegrate, so the Church takes special care to protect the relics themselves. The Church teaches that relics may not be displayed for veneration without a proper certificate attesting to their authenticity, and bishops (or their priests) oversee procedures to ensure authenticity and prevent abuses. Why do Catholics venerate relics? If you have a loved one who has passed away, you probably have a photograph of them, or a shirt or something that they owned. Perhaps, if they were cremated, you have their ashes (read about the Catholic view of cremation here). Think of a relic like these items. Just as you might keep a loved one's items to help you remember them or feel closer to them, we keep parts of saints' bodies or things they owned to remember them and to remind us to ask for their intercession. The body is sacred- a Temple of the Holy Spirit- so it is treated with reverence even after death when the soul is separated from the body. We don't honor the relic, but rather the person to whom it belonged, who now beholds the face of God in Heaven. If t-shirts or photographs were a thing when Christians first started collecting relics of holy people, perhaps we would have those instead of bone fragments! How do Catholics venerate relics? Let's first define what it means to venerate something. The Church teaches that there are four types of veneration: Dulia is the term for the general veneration of saints and angels. They are in no way worshipped. However, they are role models and intercessors for the faithful as they journey to Heaven. Proskynesis: This is the simple form of veneration reserved for relics, images of saints, and holy places. They are to be treated and talked about with reverence and respect. The word comes from the Greek word "proskyneo," which translates to two words: pros (towards), and kyneo (to kiss). This is why some people touch sacramentals to or kiss relics. Hyperdulia: This literally means "more-dulia" and is reserved for veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is distinct from the saints but not on the same level as God, and thus, deserving of more veneration and honor than other saints. Latria: This is the form of worship reserved for God alone. Oftentimes, people will touch Rosaries, scapulars, or other sacramental items to relics (or rather, reliquaries) or even kiss them. This is not because they are worshipping them, but rather honoring them as belonging to someone whom they love and look up to. If you hold the shirt of a loved one, kiss a photo of them in memory of them, or anything of the like, you are doing the same thing! The Church also has guidelines for veneration of relics, stating that relics "may not be displayed for the veneration of the faithful without a proper certificate of the ecclesiastical authority who guarantees their authenticity" (Relics in the Church: Authenticity and Preservation, 2017). Reliquaries are also kept sealed to prevent desecration, and their sale is absolutely prohibited. But why do Catholics think relics are important? The saints are just dead people. Relics help us to feel connected with our Brothers and Sisters who are already in Heaven. We know that they intercede for us before God (Rev. 5:8) and that their prayers are powerful. Just as I can ask my friend here on earth to pray for me, so I can ask a saint friend who is fully alive with Christ in Heaven. After all, is "the prayer of a righteous person is very powerful," (James 5:16) then who is more righteous than a Brother or Sister in Christ who's been fully purified and now lives in total communion with God? Relics are signs that help us to remember this reality. Are relics part of witchcraft or superstition? When people speak of witchcraft, they are typically referring to attributing power to objects rather than to God. We do not believe that relics are "magical" or have any power on their own- they are merely pieces of bone, tissue, cloth, or another natural material. Any spiritual benefit that one receives through venerating relics or asking the saints for their prayers is from God Himself. The Catechism states: " To attribute the efficacy of prayers or of sacramental signs to their mere external performance, apart from the interior dispositions that they demand, is to fall into superstition” (CCC 2111). This teaching applies to relics, as well as to other devotions and sacramentals. The Church even states that relics are to be preserved and honored, while “avoiding every type of superstition and illicit trade.” (Instruction "Relics In The Church: Authenticity And Preservation", 2017) Do relics appear in the Bible? Yes! Just a few examples: Matthew 14:35-36: "And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed." 2 Kings 13:21: "Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet." Acts 19:12: "...so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him (Paul) were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." If you have further questions about relics, veneration, or any other Catholic topic, please feel free to leave a comment beneath this post or on Instagram (@the_little_apologist). All you holy men and women, Saints of God, pray for us!

Not everyone has time to read an entire Papal Encyclical! So when Pope Leo's first Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas was published this morning, I wanted to create a summary of it for anyone who doesn't have an extra few hours to spare, but still wanted to be part of the conversation. Consider this your "TL:DR" of Magnifica Humanitas! Though, if you have even less time, save this post for later, and know that at the core of the document is the premise that every new technology and every sector that the technology impacts, must be evaluated through the lens of human dignity. Happy reading! Introduction: We need to address the technological advances of our time as a vital part of humanity’s history. Now is a time of rapid change and transition, so we need to answer questions like “Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” (6) The stories of the Tower of Babel and the Rebuilding of the Temple provide lessons on the power of new technologies to divide or bring together, bring order or disorder. We are called to fullness of life, and this is found only in Christ- not in constantly grasping for more “upgrades”. A world where all can flourish requires shared responsibility, courage, clarity, and care for those around us. No machine can ever replace the splendor of humanity, revealed most fully in Christ. We must come together to build up the common good. Ch. 1: A Dynamic Approach Faithful to the Gospel The Church is called to address the forces, technologies, and developments shaping society. The Church acknowledges that the State has distinct functions and responsibilities, but the Church must still address the issues and circumstances present without diminishing the State's autonomy. “Truth is a gift to be shared” (25). The Church’s Social Doctrine is a process of shared discernment and has always been present in the Church. The writings of recent Popes have been increasingly focused on these social issues- each making a unique contribution in light of the “new things” of their time (45). Ch. 2: Foundations and Principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church The Social Doctrine of the Church is a dialogue, but also has a “core set of unchanging truths” (46). The foundations of Social Doctrine include: 1) that the human person is made in the image of the Triune God. 2) All human beings have equal dignity. 3) The supreme value of human rights. The Principles of Social Doctrine include: 1) The principle of the common good. 2) The principle of the universal destination of goods. 3) The principle of subsidiarity. 4) The principle of solidarity. 5) The principle of social justice. Development must place people at the center rather than wealth or other motivations. It’s through this light that we must view AI and other developments of our time. Ch. 3: Technology and Dominance. The Grandeur of Humanity in Light of the Promises of AI (Pt. 1) What are we building with AI? “Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church allows herself to be enlightened by God’s word, reads the signs of the times and creatively seeks new ways for relationships between peoples and nations to become ever more conformed to the demands of the Kingdom of God.” (91) We can’t let “efficiency, control, and profit” be the sole factors in decision making, and we must evaluate the (mostly private) entities that are developing new technologies and their motives and effects. Ch. 3: Technology and Dominance. The Grandeur of Humanity in Light of the Promises of AI (Pt. 2) Artificial intelligence is constantly developing, making it difficult to make a universal statement. AI imitates human intelligence. It cannot feel, think, learn, experience, mature, have experiences, or understand. This can be misleading because it makes an “artificial imitation of positive human connection” (100). There can be danger when people develop a “relationship” with AI instead of a genuine human connection. Further developments of AI must consider the tremendous use of environmental resources. AI does have harmful uses, especially in terms of privacy violations and the reinforcement of stereotypes or ideological biases. AI is not morally neutral. We can’t just say “it can be used well,” we also need to look at how the system itself is actually designed and how that impacts humanity and society as a whole. For AI to serve the common good, all those involved- from developers to users- must be responsible for preserving human dignity and serving the common good. This may mean adopting AI at a slower pace to allow safeguards and guardrails to be put in place, questions to be asked, and regulations to be enacted. Pope Leo also advocates disarming AI by taking away its overarching power and opening it up to discussion and debate, making humans “in control” of AI rather than the other way around. AI developers also have a unique responsibility for what they create and promote, and must ensure their AI serves the common good. Ch. 3: Technology and Dominance. The Grandeur of Humanity in Light of the Promises of AI (Pt. 3) We must safeguard humanity. “When efficiency becomes the ultimate measure of value, human beings are tempted to see themselves as a project to be optimized rather than as persons called to relationship and communion” (112). The same is true of any “good quality” such as intelligence or power. Humans are not goods to be used, and civilizations should be measured not by their power but by how they treat each human being. Pope Leo discusses transhumanism (the enhancement of humans through technology) and posthumanism (the hybridization of humans and machines). The issue is not the use of technology but rather that it implies that human beings can somehow be improved or modified to be perfected- when, in fact, we are already made in the image and likeness of God and ought not be judged by our ‘usefulness’ or productivity. This does not mean that these techniques are all evil, but that they must be integrated in a way that is human-centric. Limitations and failures are part of being human, and humanity flourishes through and despite them. “Christian humanism does not reject science or technology, but embraces them with gratitude and realism, and grounds them within a higher vocation” (129) Chapter 4: Safeguarding Humanity at a Time of Transformation, Truth, Work, Freedom. (Pt. 1) Pope Leo discusses the areas where technological changes have consequences. These include disinformation, shaping of the collective imagination, lack of honest pursuit and communication of facts, a decrease in authentic education when answers are instantly available, etc. Youth are especially affected by these technological advances, and “We must learn, then, how to exercise restraint in the use of AI and to protect our young people…”(140). Unsupervised access to devices and social media can have negative impacts on sleep, emotions, relationships, and development, especially in young people. It also allows for easier access to pornographic or violent material, as well as grooming and cyberbullying. Having devices at a young age is also a concern: “Having a personal mobile device at too early an age and using it without adult supervision can exacerbate young people’s vulnerabilities, foster addiction and expose them to isolation, bullying and cyberbullying, as well as to pressures to share intimate images or sensitive information” (141) We need to instruct youth in how to be safe, respectful, and respected online. Schools play a role in this, too. AI in schools is another factor that Pope Leo addresses. Education is a priority of the Church. He says we must also prioritize teacher training so they can help students use AI responsibly. A love for Truth is at the forefront of education. He says that, “A genuinely healthy attitude is needed, requiring rhythms that incorporate silence, in-depth study, reading and judicious analysis, for without these elements inner freedom may be compromised.” Work is another area impacted by AI. Work “expresses and enhances the dignity of our lives” (149). AI is changing how the world views and works. We need to view work as centered on humans themselves, not just on their performance. Protection of employment must also be considered when integrating AI into workplaces and industries. New technologies also impact the economy. Economic models should value human dignity above all else. Families, too, are greatly impacted by these technological advances. When they are “pushed to the side” by political or social factors, society as a whole crumbles, because families are irreplaceable in society. Families must be considered when talking about economics, education, and employment. The ‘Digital Revolution’ also impacts human freedom by influencing the human mind and creating a potential for addiction. “The subtler forms of addiction linked to the 'digital attention economy' should not be underestimated, since platforms and services are often designed to capture users’ time and attention, exploiting their vulnerabilities and weakening their inner freedom.” (170). This freedom is also encroached upon by data collection and algorithms. Chapter 4: Safeguarding Humanity at a Time of Transformation, Truth, Work, Freedom. (Pt. 2) Pope Leo also addresses the treatment of workers who train models, moderate content, and label data. Many of them are young people and women who work in harmful conditions for low wages. “If technology promises emancipation, yet produces new forms of global subordination, it stands in contradiction to the fundamental principle of human dignity.” (173) The Church strongly condemns “all forms of slavery, trafficking and the commodification of persons.” (174), and companies and supply chains are urged to be transparent so as to prevent this form of slavery from being fueled. Institutions, organizations, and individuals are responsible for calling for and cultivating safeguards for the human person in the digital age. Ch. 5: The Culture of Power and the Civilization of Love Here, Pope Leo discusses war. He says, “The digital revolution is changing the nature of conflict.” As the use of cyberattacks, information manipulation, automated strategic decision-making, etc., is on the rise, we need to distinguish between these technologies used for the defense of people and nations and for aggression and offense. They must also be evaluated through the lens of the protection of the human person. He then explains the ‘civilization of love,’ proposed by Saint Paul VI during the Cold War, which outlined “an alternative path to that of ideological opposition between systems, and envisioned a social order in which justice and charity are intertwined and love becomes the guiding principle of economic, political and cultural life.” (186). This vision must be recovered in our modern day. Technology actually creates more opportunities for this to take place, as it connects us with people from all around the world and creates a sense of solidarity among humanity. War has been normalized, historical memories of the horrors of war are being lost, and violence is being normalized. With that said, Pope Leo says that the “Just War Theory” has been used to justify far too many wars and is outdated, as humanity has far more and better tools for resolving conflict. When discussing the use of AI in weapons and war, these machines lack a sense of morality and therefore operate solely on threat predictions, reducing victims to numbers rather than real human beings with souls. Criteria for such use of AI must be regulated. He then discusses “A supposed political realism” where we mistakenly believe that we will not repeat the mistakes of our ancestors, when, in fact that is exactly what we are doing when it comes to war, economics, and politics It is necessary to address these topics because, as Christians, we view history in light of Christ, and believe that we can and do have a responsibility to work for the good of all humanity. Pope Leo proposes “five paths toward daily and public responsibility.” These are: 1) The need to disarm words, 2) Building peace through justice, 3) Adopting the perspective of victims, 4) Cultivating a healthy realism, and 5) Reviving dialogue and multilateralism. All of these paths need to be sustained by prayer. Conclusion: Pope Leo urges all Christians to “(contemplate) God’s plan, (live) ecclesial unity by partaking of the Eucharist, (build) a world centered on the common good and (pray) in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary” (229) and evaluates all he previously stated through the lens of the Magnificat and the Incarnation itself. He invites us to contemplate humanity through the lens of Christ, and be active participants in thinking about and using the technological processes that are developing, rather than passive observers- because these technologies can never replace the human heart or conscience, which God has designed. He also emphasizes a Eucharistic spirituality for Christian unity and unity through all of humanity. We have a shared responsibility to care for and to actively create a civilization of love, remaining faithful to Truth, investing in education, cultivating relationships, and pursuing justice and peace. Pope Leo closes by again discussing the Magnificat, urging us to look at the world as Mary did, bring hope to the world, and says, “I entrust our desire to the Mother of Christ, to the Woman of the Magnificat, that she may guide our steps through this time of change and preserve in each of us true faith in the Gospel, so that we may bear witness to the grandeur of humanity, in which God has made his dwelling” (245).

When I graduated from high school four years ago, I never could have imagined the journey the Lord would take me on over the following months and years. The graduation party that I waited, shopped, and planned for felt like an ending- but truly, it was only the beginning! Teens are notoriously hard to shop for to begin with- but add in an event like high school graduation, and things get even more tricky! Skip the cash and grab a gift from this list- you'll be supporting Catholic businesses and authors, and helping your grad to grow in their faith. These are products I personally use, or from companies I support- and I know you'll love them, too. “What Does God Want?”: A Practical Guide to Making Decisions by Fr. Michael Scanlan This book has been a companion and guide through college as I've discerned career plans, relationships, and other big decisions. I would recommend it to any high school grad as they navigate all the ups and downs and decisions that come with being a young adult. Sacred Art Plaques by AmberKnorrArt Amber Knorr is a sacred artist and a professor at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH. I have these sacred art plaques on my desk at school- they're very high quality, and the perfect size for a desk, bookshelf, or windowsill. They make a beautiful addition to a small prayer space, or the prints in her shop would be a beautiful gift when framed. Use code THELITTLEAPOLOGIST10 for 10% off. Prayer Journals from Manegratia Press I'm an avid prayer journaler- and whether your grad also loves to journal, or will need a notebook for work or class, these beautiful Marian themed journals are a fantastic option. They're small enough to be portable, but durable enough to hold up through late night Holy Hours (or study sessions). Keepsake Rosaries from Blessed is She Who doesn't need another Rosary?! Blessed is She has created a collection of Rosaries that are both beautiful and strudy enough for everyday use. Between the Saint Joseph Rosary, Saint Therese Rosary, and many more, there's one for every grad! Use code THELITTLEAPOLOGIST for 10% off. Catholic Jewelry from MadebyColleenAMDG You can't go wrong with jewelry- whether your grad is headed to work or to college in the fall, jewelry is a fantastic way to share your faith. Colleen handcrafts and designs each piece of jewelry, and she's constantly coming up with new products! (You'll be supporting a dear friend and mamma when you shop from her, too!) Use code TLA20 for 20% off your order. Subscription to the Hallow App If there's one product that I've used virtually every day since graduating from high school, it's Hallow. With daily Scripture readings, reflections, rosaries, audiobooks, and devotionals, Hallow is perfect for anyone who needs to sneak in a couple extra minutes of prayer throughout their day. Click here for a three month free trial. Liturgical Planner from Blessed is She The Blessed is She Liturgical Planner is one of my favorite Catholic planners! With plenty of space to plan assignmets, work, and summer plans in both the big and mini versions, this planner not only helps you to stay organized, but also to live your faith. With feast days, prayer reminders, and beautiful quotes, your grad will have another way to integrate prayer into their everyday life and live liturgically. Use code THELITTLEAPOLOGIST for 10% off. Battery Operated Prayer Candles One of the most frustrating things about being a college student is not being allowed to have candles in a dorm room- but that doesn't mean we can't make a sacred space! I've used these candles from Amazon for years now and they're fantastic! The Catechism of the Catholic Church An absolute necessity of Catholic life. Most people have Bibles- but they may not have a copy of the Catechism. This document lays out the teachings of the Catholic faith in a way that is simple to reference and understand- perfect for busy young adults! Why We're Catholic by Trent Horn This is one book that I would buy in bulk and give to every single Catholic grad I know. In Why We're Catholic, Trent Horn explains many of the most basic and misunderstood Truths of the Catholic faith, and explains in a very digestable way, why we believe what we believe as Catholics. This is fantastic both for grads to read and have on hand when others ask questions. BONUS: Faith Forward by Newman Connection Send your grad the link to Faith Forward by Newman Connection to get them connected with the Catholic community wherever their next steps take them! Fill out the form in just a couple of minutes, and the campus minister, FOCUS missionary, or Newman Center Leader will personally reach out to them! It's perfect not only for college students, but also grads heading to the military or workforce. It never hurts to get connected! Know someone shopping for a new grad? Share this post with them- and drop your favorite Catholic graduation gift in the comments below.

The Little Apologist- Defending and Sharing the Beauty, Goodness, and Truth found in Jesus Christ, His Church, and the World. Helping people understand, share, and defend the faith in ways that are clear, straightforward, & rooted in the reality of the Holy Spirit actively working in their lives. BLOG POSTS READ THE BLOG CONTACT SHOP NOW BOOK AN EVENT MERCYLIGHT DESIGNS With a variety of talks for all ages and levels of understanding, Colleen specializes in conveying the Truths of Catholicism in ways that are simultaneously relatable and thorough- rooted in the knowledge of the Holy Spirit alive in the souls of the Baptized. RETREATS & EVENTS Lover of Jesus Christ, Catholic Apologist, small business owner, Saint Francis University Grad, Franciscan University Student, and Catholic Speaker. THE LITTLE APOLOGIST Helping people understand, share, and defend the faith in ways that are clear, straightforward, and rooted in the reality of the Holy Spirit actively working in their lives through writing, speaking, and social media. Providing beautiful Catholic gifts and artwork in an accessible manner at an affordable price. COLLEEN EISLEY Summary of Magnifica Humanitas 10 Catholic High School Graduation Gifts They'll Actually Use If Mary isn't the Mother of God, then Jesus isn't who He says He is. To the Person thinking about coming back to Mass for Christmas. Subscribe! Follow along on Instagram @the_little_apologist Load more

Looking for a Catholic Speaker? With a variety of talks for all levels of understanding, Colleen specializes in conveying the Truths of Catholicism in ways that are simultaneously relatable and thoroughly rooted in the knowledge of the Holy Spirit alive in the souls of the Baptized. First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Group or Organization * This will be a... In-Person Event Virtual event Location (or Email for Virtual Event)* Proposed Date and Time Month Month Day Year Time : Hours Minutes AM Choose a Topic* Questions? Concerns? What else do you want me to know?* Send