Magic Relic?

acwxx

Can anyone tell me anything about the power of a relic dedicated to Mother Mary Aikinhead? I have looked on the internet but can only get information on her life. I cannot find anything to tell me what the power of the relic is attached to (ie St Frances for lost things etc)

My health has not been very good for most of this year and a well meaning neighbour has given me a holy relic and asked that I pin it into my clothes and keep with me. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, I accepted the relic but feel a bit uneasy about it, and would like to know what it is meant to do before committing to it.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

gimmebroadband

I always thought that only relics of Saints were permittited for veneration, and it doesn't seem that Aikinhead has (yet) been raised to the honours of the Altar. I would not use it if you feel uneasy about it! I'm sorry that you are unwell, and will keep you in my prayers.

georgieporgy

Do you understand RC teaching on the use of relics? (nothing to do with magic.)

http://www.ewtn.com/library/answers/relics.htm

it's a lengthy article, and I'll paste a small section for you;

relics remind us of the holiness of a saint and his cooperation in God's work. At the same time, relics inspire us to ask for the prayers of that saint and to beg the grace of God to live the same kind of faith-filled live.

georgieporgy

gimmebroadband wrote: »

I always thought that only relics of Saints were permitted for veneration, and it doesn't seem that Aikinhead has (yet) been raised to the honours of the Altar. I would not use it if you feel uneasy about it! I'm sorry that you are unwell, and will keep you in my prayers.

Was she beatified in 1920s? i saw some reference to it but it wasn't clear.

But in any case I think it's ok to ask for the intercession of holy people who have died prior to their official beatification/canonization. Otherwise how do we get the required miracles? And in that sense the use of their relics is permitted in a private fashion. But not as superstitious good luck charms as is often seen.

I'm open to correction however.

acwxx

Thank you for your replies. I am RC but grew up in a non catholic country and not old enough to have any more connection to the depths of the religion other than attending Sunday mass.

Like lots of others. it is very easy to forget God until we are in trouble. I will try anything that doesn't hurt if it means getting my health and life back again. One thing that troubles me is the information that suggests that we pray so that we can live our lives in the way of our saint/relic link. Mother Aikenhead had quite a horrid life from what I can tell. She suffered ill health and spent most of her time poor. While I could perhaps benefit from some of her patience and compassion, I certainly don't want her lifestyle. I am really confused. Is there a list somewhere with the benefit links to each saint?

gimmebroadband

Here is a link to different illnesses and maladies and the Patron Saints, hope it's of some help for you!

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/patron10.htm

georgieporgy

acwxx wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. I am RC but grew up in a non catholic country and not old enough to have any more connection to the depths of the religion other than attending Sunday mass.

Like lots of others. it is very easy to forget God until we are in trouble. I will try anything that doesn't hurt if it means getting my health and life back again. One thing that troubles me is the information that suggests that we pray so that we can live our lives in the way of our saint/relic link. Mother Aikenhead had quite a horrid life from what I can tell. She suffered ill health and spent most of her time poor. While I could perhaps benefit from some of her patience and compassion, I certainly don't want her lifestyle. I am really confused. Is there a list somewhere with the benefit links to each saint?

You are not expected to make yourself ill just because she was ill!
Imitating a saint's life means imitating their virtues, and generally that means acceptance and conformity with god's will in all our activities. Praying "to" a particular saint for something really just means you are asking that saint to pray with you to God for whatever purpose you have in mind . It's a bit like having a buddy in the local police station that you might have recourse to if you got in trouble with the law.

You might find something useful in this list:
http://www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp