Kult świętych oraz obrazów świętych i relikwii w obowiązującym prawodawstwie Kościoła Łacińskiego
The Cult of the Saints and the Images of the Saints and of Relics in the Present Legislation of the Latin Church

Summary/Abstract: The present article has three parts. The first analyzes the cult of the Saints and Blessed, that have been canonized or beatified by the Church (Code of Canon Law of 1983, can. 1187). The Church recommends to the special veneration of the faithful the Mother of God and supports the true and authentic veneration of other Saints, whose example of life can be followed and intercession can be of aid (Code of Canon Law of 1983, can. 1186). The second part presents the issue of the cult of holy images. The veneration of these belongs to the fundamental and noble forms of cult belonging to Christ and, in a different way, to the Saints. In the Latin Church the practice of placing holy images in churches, in order that these be venerated by the faithful, should be maintained (Code of Canon Law of 1983, can. 1188). Part three treats the issue of the cult of relics. According to tradition, the Church venerates the Saints and has respect for their authentic relics. Under the term “relics” one should understand substantial parts of the bodies of the Saints and objects that belonged to them. Relics, if they are to be venerated by the faithful, must be authentic.

• Details
• Contents