When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it (again) until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you (that) from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. -The 5th Luminous Mystery

extraction of body parts as relics

Question from Marc C. on 11/5/2007:

Dear EWTN:

I have no reservations about the idea of relics, particularly that of bodies of saints that are incorrupt. I consider the incorrupt body of a holy person to be a miracle. One thing I struggle with, however, is the practice of extracting certain body parts as relics. It would seem to me that bodily dismemberment does not show respect for the dead. Furthermore, why not keep the entire incorrupt body intact if it should be venerated? Can you define and explain the Church's position on this? Thank you.

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 11/6/2007:

Marc, I opine that it is mostly inconvenience that dictates to the Church this practice of venerating parts of the body of a saint or venerable person. Obviously it is much easier to move and honor a small part of a large body, to preserve it on a holy altar, etc. Fr. Bob Levis

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