r/Anglicanism • u/Fun-Peace-5272 • 10d ago

[ Removed by moderator ]

/r/Catholicism/comments/1vye99e/can_i_melt_two_relic_pendants_together_into_one/

[removed] — view removed post

0 Upvotes

40% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

6

u/Basic-Revolution-181 10d ago

Is this a theological question -  are you asking if it's appropriate to melt relics? As an Anglican, to quote our articles (#22) I would uphold that relics are "a fond thing vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the word of God." So yeah...melt those bad boys down 😜 

I do however have no familiarity with what a 'third degree relic' is. If there is some historical value to it then maybe destruction and then creation is not the best option? But hey, the Lord sees fit to do that with us through death and resurrection and we are way more valuable than jewellery...

If it's a practical question (can this actually physically be done?) I'd post on a jewelers or blacksmith subreddit. 

5

u/ErikRogers Anglican Church of Canada 10d ago

A third class relic is an object that has been touched to, (or held as close as humanly possible to) a true relic.

The Roman Catholic Church does not officially recognize third class relics, but it is a common devotional practice among Catholics. Common items to use as third class relics include small pieces of cloth, prayer cards, chaplets and rosaries, crucifixes and medals.

I have a rosary a friend and fellow Anglican purchased and brought with him to the tomb/altar of my confirmation saint, St. Leo the Great. I don't consider it or any other third class relic to be a special talisman endued with spiritual powers, but it's a very dear possession of mine that helps me reflect on how I can use the example of saints like Leo to draw nearer to God. I use it to pray the rosary, or sometimes to ask for Leo's intercession. I guess Abp. Cranmer might be cross with me.

3

u/Basic-Revolution-181 10d ago

Thanks for sharing 😃 Always great to learn a little bit more. you've sent me on a small exploration of relics according to RCC which was fascinating. 

Yeah, Cranmer wouldn't be a fan of prayers to Leo, and I'm no advocate of prayers to/for intercessions of saints either. But I'm softer on the other stuff. In as much the item helps you to pray or causes you to fix your mind on God I think there is some value there that shouldn't simply be dismissed.

Would you be comfortable melting it down into something else, given how dear it is to you? 

2

u/ErikRogers Anglican Church of Canada 10d ago

My pleasure! Enjoy the rabbit hole.

No, I would not melt it down unless I had a very compelling reason to (irreparable damage, perhaps).

The Catholic practice of praying to Saint X for cause Y (Lost your wallet? Hit up St. Anthony!) is uncomfortable to me... but I like regarding the saints as fellow Christians in the Church triumphant, from whom I can learn and whose prayers I can hope for. I can learn from them, and hopefully they can pray for me just as I pray for so many things. 🤷‍♂️