THE authenticity of the relics of Saint Charles Borromeo at the San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral Parish is no longer in question.
This certification came after Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos confirmed that the two relics did, indeed, originate from the bones of Saint Charles Borromeo.
"After having carefully and prayerfully considered and examined the aforementioned facts and findings, I, Gerardo Alminaza, by the grace of God and the authority vested in me by the Holy See as the Bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos, guided by Articles 1 and 14 § 2 of the Instruction 'Relics in the Church: Authenticity and Preservation,' hereby certify that the relics of Saint Charles Borromeo, depicted in the accompanying photographs, are indeed authentic," said Alminaza in a Decree.
The prelate issued the decree after it became necessary when the certificate of authenticity of the said relics were misplaced and cannot be located.
The absence of the certificate of authenticity forced the Cathedral to limit the opportunity for public veneration of the relics during his feast day.
During the recent visit of the relic of Saint Anthony of Padua to the Cathedral, the prelate said one of the members of the entourage, who is an expert on relics, examined the significance of the relics after he was granted permission to conduct the assessment.
Alminaza said the relics expert was able to confirm that the two relics indeed originated from the bones of Saint Charles Borromeo.
He added that the said relics bear the symbols of authenticity, which are a red thread and a red wax seal, recognized as the coat of arms of the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome.
This meant that the two relics of Saint Charles have been officially authorized by the said Office that is responsible for bestowing relics upon deserving Ecclesial Communities.
With the issuance of the decree, Alminaza said the relics may now be made more available for public veneration.
In doing so, he said the decree must always accompany the relics, in accordance with the rules governing the veneration of sacred relics.
"Through this decree, I hereby grant permission for these relics to be enshrined in the Cathedral Church and/or made available for public veneration," said Alminaza. (SunStar Philippines)