FAQ - The StAC Collection

How many relics are in Saint Anthony Chapel?
Saint Anthony Chapel houses over 5,000 sacred relics, making it the largest collection of publicly venerable relics in the world, outside of the Vatican.

How did Saint Anthony Chapel acquire such a vast collection of relics?
Primarily through the efforts of one man, Fr. Suitbert Mollinger, a Belgian-born noble/physician-turned-priest who gained an international reputation as a source of hope and healing. While much has been written about this man, whom we fondly refer to as Pittsburgh's most impactful – yet, historically obscure – resident, ever, his life and legacy are unknown by, or remain a mystery to, the people of Pittsburgh, let alone North America and the world. To learn more about this incredible figure, and to hear the details of how he single-handedly amassed this glorious collection, please consider visiting us for a Visitor (Family) or Group Tour.

Is the collection of relics "active" or "static?"
The collection of relics is "active," which is to say that the collection has grown since Mollinger's passing in 1892. 

How can you have a first-class relic of Jesus Christ?
Any item that physically touched the body of Jesus Christ is considered to be a first-class relic (the Cross, a piece of the Manger, a fragment from the Holy Sepulchre, a thorn from the Crown).

Do you have any relics of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Yes, we have several second-class relics of Our Lady. A second-class relic is an item that was owned by or in the possession of a saint. As concerning Mary, these relics are of the nature of fragments of her clothing and veil. 

Do you have any first-class relics of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
No, the Catholic Church teaches as dogma (belief) that the Mother of God - Theotokos was assumed body and soul into heaven.

Can relics be purchased?
Canon Law – the body of laws and regulations made by ecclesiastical authority for the government of the Catholic Church and its members – forbids the sale and purchase of sacred relics. That is not to say that relics are not bought and sold; rather, that such a practice is not in keeping with the Church's teaching.

Have any "Miracles of Healing" taken place at Saint Anthony Chapel?
Absolutely! Countless pilgrims personally claim healings have taken place at Saint Anthony Chapel. Unfortunately, we tend to think of most healings or proof-there-of as physical in nature. Many physical and spiritual healings have taken place and continue to take place at Saint Anthony Chapel. The 'Truth" of the matter is that both physical and spiritual "healings" occur every day in the Divine Liturgy or Sacred Mass, however, very few are given the "eyes of faith" to see. Only the physical healings are those noticed by the crowds. 

-more information on relics-