Covadonga Asturias
(ZENIT News / Bordeaux-Toulouse, 27.02.2023).- Saint Thomas Aquinas’ relics left Toulouse for the first time since 1369 and were in Bordeaux from February 12-27, 2023.
The temporary transfer of the relics of one of the most important Saints and intellectuals of the Catholic Church is taking place in the context of a triple Jubilee: the 700 years of his Canonization, the 750th anniversary of his death (in 2024) and the 800th anniversary of his birth (in 2025). Last January 23, in fact, Saint Thomas Aquinas’ cranium was placed in a new reliquary, which enables the public to see it.
The new reliquary is a work of art given the many details of goldsmithing, carpentry, cabinet-making, sculpture and sewing. The transfer from the old container to the new reliquary was made in strict observance of the protocols that help to certify that it is, in fact, a relic of the Saint. Because, although the cranium is in France, the greater part of Saint Thomas’ body is in his homeland, Italy. To be noted is the fact that there is a place in Italy that claims it has his cranium, but Toulouse has older certificates and the Vatican’s support.
As regards the triple Jubilee , Pope Francis has already granted, through the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Plenary Indulgence for the faithful that will venerate Saint Thomas’ relics.
