Would this book be considered a relic of S.D. John A. Hardon, S.J.?

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Would This Book be Considered a Relic of S.D. John A. Hardon, SJ?

The short answer is no.

First of to be considered a relic the individual must be beatified. To treat something as a relic before this would be to accord a privilege to someone that does not deserve it according to the mind of the Church.

Second point is that a second class relic of a blessed or saint must be of something the individual owned or possessed during his or her life. Sorry to inform you that signatures do not make something a possible future relic. Still cool to have possession of such an item, so do not lose it.

The book you received must be proven without a doubt that it was a personal copy owned by Fr. Hardon SJ to be considered a relic and then only after his beatification.

First and second relics are forbidden to be sold!

First Class Relics

First class relics are the earthly mortal remains of saints, and are classified as being sacred relics. These remains could be any part of the body, be it bone, flesh (either skin or organs), and even hair.

As remains are considered to be precious and sacred relics, the Church has prohibited the sale of any first class relics. Custodians of first class relics are usually members of Faith Communities, or historical organizations such as Museums, rarely if ever, are first class relics entrusted to individuals.

Second Class Relics

A second class relic differs from the first class, in that they are the possessions or tools that were owned or used by a saint during their lifetime. Items such as articles of clothing, vestments, jewelry, scepters, bibles, and hand tools, could all be considered to be second class relics, so long as they were used by a saint.

In the case of a martyr, the instruments of their demise may also be considered a second class relic. The tools used in the process of torturing or executing the saint, though morbid to some, can be just as powerful as a ring worn by a saint. This can extend to the wood used to make the cross to which they may have been crucified on, the rope they may have been hung with, or even the ashes from when they were burned at the stack, such as Joan of Arc.

Third Class Relics

Third class relics are the only form of relic that the Church permits for sale. A third class relic is any item, new or old, that has made contact with the remains of a saint, or pressed against their tomb or reliquary; in other words a first class relic. This could include burial cloths that were used during their funeral process, the soil from which they were buried in, the remains of their casket, or newer items such as cloths, pendants, or mantillas, that have been blessed by God when placed against the first class relic.

Third class relics are worn, carried, or kept in the home, for protection, divine guidance, and assistance from their patron saint.

Catholic Relics

You remain free to have the book blessed by a priest as it would be considered a religious object!

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