The Greater Relics of the Passion

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 28, 19 July 1923, Page 31

The Greater Relics of the Passion

Recent devotions in Rome have brought newly before the eyes and minds of Catholics many relics and memories of ancient Christian faith and devotion which seem especially impressive when seen in that city, the centre of Catholicity. The Lenten season and Holy Week, of course, are the times when most attention .is naturally attracted "to the great relics of the Passion and to places and things especially recalling the sufferings of Our Lord, hut at all seasons the historic places of Rome are full of material to excite special devotion in the faithful heart. Certain of the special ceremonies of the year are occasions for the exposition of the greater relics of the Passion which are shown at St. Peter's and at Holy Cross. The relics at St. Peter's are those of the Veil of St. Veronica, the Lance and Nails and the True Cross, all supreme relics of great and awe-inspiring interest for the Christian. A recent development which has greatly added to the facilities for Catholic devotion of a special, nature is recalled by some of the Holy Week ceremonies. On the Friday in Passion Week the Way of the Cross was solemnly preached in the famous arena of the Colosseum. This was once a regular feature in Rome, owing its origin, it is said, to the zeal of St. Leonard of Port Maurice. Later, however, it fell into disuse, following the removal of the per-r nianent Station which the Saint caused to be erected in the arena itself. Permission was recently obtained to restore this pious custom at Passion time. Thus now Catholics annually have the opportunity to make the Way of the Cross in the arena, which has been made historic in a special way by the blood of Ignatius and other Christian martyrs.