Relics: What They Are and Why They Matter

In terms of written content and documentation this is a 5 star book. The only reason I took away one star was because most of the pictures are in black and white and very difficult to see (because of the lighting, the distance from the object being photographed, etc.). BUT, all that aside, the stories, historical documents to back up each claim and sheer detail in each story that can be further verified is amazing. It's a crying shame that the entire Christian world does not know the stories of these saints and their sheer miraculous preservation, some several hundred years old with not even a single sign of corruption - no rigor mortis, soft, pliably skin etc. It's incredible, which is why the scientific documentation, pictures and such are so important.

"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. (Acts 19:11-12) Of course, I don't think that ALL the relics are genuine but perhaps what is important is the faith of the person using the relic. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says that even a little faith can move mountains whereas a lack of faith will produce no miracles (Matthew 13:58). I love the late Joan Carroll Cruz's books on this and other topics of interest to inspire Catholic/Orthodox Christians like myself.

The following notices appear on the copyright page of this unusual book:Nihil Obstat:Rev. John H. Miller, C.S.C.Censor LibrorumImprimatur: Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, D.D.Archbishop of New OrleansJuly 4, 1983"The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are official declarations that a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions or statements expressed."Interestingly, beginning with Pope John XXIII the Catholic Church has sought to distance itself from relics and miracles, but that has not seemed to deter Ms. Cruz-she is a prolific writer on the subject. Those who share her beliefs will enjoy this book.But others will enjoy it too. Ms. Cruz is a diligent and competent researcher, and she brings together information on this arcane subject from a wide range of sources. I eventually found her credulity tiring, but not before I had read through the sections on the True Cross, Crown of Thorns, Holy Nails, Holy Sponge, Holy Shroud and Veil of Veronica. Having just returned from Italy, where I personally viewed what purported to be some of these items, I found her descriptions particularly interesting.

An excellent introduction to relics. It is sad that today's Church puts so little emphasis and importance to these sacred reminders of our past. Too many clergy today look on relics as morbid and try to sweep them under the rug. I own a number of books by Ms. Cruz and find them to be valuable references.

Joan Carroll Cruz has kept a good perpective on the relics belonging to the Church. The most important of course, is the buriel cloth of Christ-The Shroud of Turin. Since her printing of this book very relative information has come out regarding the French weave the nuns used in actually blending new yarn into the fabric of this cloth and this portion is what was tested in the 1980's carbon dating which placed the Shroud to be of the Middle-Ages. Also, there is stunning new visuals that were evidenced through modern technology and even leading to substantiation of Quantum Physics 'Event Horizon' a point of zero gravity. Particle Physicist beleive the Shroud relic will prove Science. The cloths holographic image reveals an amulet of metal across Christ's neck area displaying the Hebrew letters Alef Beta Alef which reads ABBA or FATHER. Further information can be obtained from the dvd Fabric of Time produced by Grizzly Adams productions.Back to this book, Cruz covers the Loretto house which was supposedly built by John the beloved for Mother Mary, BVM's vielo, and fascinating Eucharistic Miracles like Lanciano.Joan Carol Cruz delves into the most intriguing and important relics belonging to the Church.

Beautiful, interesting book. I had hoped for more photos.Extremely happy that Saint Sharbel Maklouf is included! His relics are currently touring America.

This is a very extensive, detailed summary of relics and why they are important. I'd recommend this.

Relics: The Shroud of Turin, the True Cross, the Blood of Januarius...History, Mysticism, and the Catholic Church  Excellent Joan Cruz does a marvelous job of presenting information and historical evidence for the recognition of the relics mentioned in this book.

Excellent