[.ca] Relics (ISBN 0879737018)

Safe Reading:
The following notices appear on the copyright page of this unusual book: Nihil Obstat: Rev. John H. Miller, C.S.C. Censor Librorum Imprimatur: Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, D.D. Archbishop of New Orleans July 4, 1983 "The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are official declarations that a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat or Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions or statements expressed." Interestingly, beginning with Pope John XXIII the Catholic Church has sought to distance itself from relics and miracles, but that has not seemed to deter Ms. Cruz-she is a prolific writer on the subject. Those who share her beliefs will enjoy this book. But others will enjoy it too. Ms. Cruz is a diligent and competent researcher, and she brings together information on this arcane subject from a wide range of sources. I eventually found her credulity tiring, but not before I had read through the sections on the True Cross, Crown of Thorns, Holy Nails, Holy Sponge, Holy Shroud and Veil of Veronica. Having just returned from Italy, where I personally viewed what purported to be some of these items, I found her descriptions particularly interesting.

Poorly Written:
My husband and I both agree that this book has some fascinating facts; however, it is poorly written, making it difficult to follow. The author jumps from synopsis to synopsis of documents with little or no transitions. Sometimes the events in a single relic's story aren't even in chronological order.

Mature, Informative, and Doctrinally Sound:
Cruz accomplishes a great deal in her treatment of notable Relics of the Catholic Church. This is an easily dramatized subject, and the greatest contribution Cruz makes is to approach the Relics in a scholarly, matter-of-fact style that conveys the history and impact of the Relics without engaging in argument. Consequently, the book carries substantial value for those motivated in their Faith by material evidence. And yet there is simultaneous value for the more detached reader. Perhaps the clearest indication of the tone and style of the book is in the Introduction's quote from the biography of St. Gertrude the Great: "If you desire to have some relics which will draw My Heart into yours, read My Passion, and meditate attentively on every word contained therein and it will be to you a true relic which will merit more graces for you than any other... thence you may know and be assured that the words which I uttered when on earth are the most precious relics which you can possess." It is clear throughout that Joan Carroll Cruz has taken this message to heart - approaching the Relics she describes with reverence, but with proper perspective.