Our church is blessed to house a first-class relic of Saint Gregory the Great, which means it contains a piece of bone, hair, or another part of the saint’s body.Although our church did not always possess this relic, it was generously donated by our church leadership to Monsignor James McManimon, our pastor, on August 19, 1979. Initially, the relic was kept in an unusual reliquary in our rectory. After our new church was built, it was brought out for Saint Gregory's feast days but spent most of its time in the priest’s sacristy.

Father Kevin Kimtis, during his tenure as a Parochial Vicar, purchased a new reliquary from Adrian Hamers, a religious church supply company. This new reliquary resembles the Coat of Arms of The Holy See.

Some older parishioners believe the old reliquary (above) was made from a car hood ornament.


The relic was carefully removed from the old holder—cut away with a jeweler’s saw—and placed in the new reliquary. Special care was taken to ensure the wax seal and the presiding bishop’s signature remained intact, as these are essential for proving the relic’s provenance and liturgical validity, according to the Code of Canon Law (1186 to 1190). Our relic is dated 1929.

In the above image, you can see a section of Saint Gregory's wrist bone.

Since being installed in the new reliquary, our relic has been displayed in the nave grotto, candle room and on the altar during feast day Masses.

Learn more about Relics from Catholic Answers