This Catholic Practice Horrified My Protestant Friends

From Totus Catholica

Why Every Catholic Altar Holds a Saint’s Bones Most Catholics don’t know this—but many altars contain a hidden relic: a small bone from a saint or martyr, sealed inside the altar stone itself. This isn’t medieval superstition. It’s sacred theology made visible—a tradition that stretches from the Roman catacombs to your local parish, linking Christ’s sacrifice on the altar with the witness of those who died for Him. 📌 In this video, we reveal: Why early Christians celebrated Mass on the tombs of martyrs in the catacombs How Revelation 6:9 (“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain…”) shaped this practice What the Catechism (CCC 1182) and Canon Law (1237 §2) say about relics in altars today Why the Church still recommends—though no longer requires—this ancient custom And how this “hidden bone” proclaims a radical truth: the Eucharist is not a meal—it’s a sacrifice worth dying for ✨ What You’ll Learn: 📖 Revelation 6:9–11: Martyrs are under the heavenly altar—so the Church places them under the earthly one 🌟 St. Ambrose (4th c.): “We have laid [the martyrs’ bones] where the holy mysteries are celebrated…” 👑 GIRM §302: “It is fitting that relics of saints be placed beneath new altars.” 🕊️ 1 Corinthians 6:19: The saints’ bodies were “temples of the Holy Spirit”—worthy of honor, not fear ⚔️ Why this isn’t “morbid”—it’s a proclamation of the Resurrection and the cost of discipleship ⏳ Chapters: 0:00 – The Hidden Bone in Every Catholic Altar 1:26 – From Catacombs to Cathedrals: The Origin of the Practice 2:56 – The Altar Is Not a Table—It’s Calvary Made Present 4:31 – What the Church Teaches Today: Canon Law & Vatican II 6:43 – Addressing Objections: “Isn’t This Superstitious?” 8:23 – Your Next Step: Ask About Your Parish’s Altar 📖 Key References: Revelation 6:9 – “Under the altar… the souls of those slain for the word of God.” CCC 1182 – “The altar of the New Covenant is the Lord’s Cross.” General Instruction of the Roman Missal §302 – Recommends relics in new altars Canon 1237 §2 – “The tradition of placing relics… is to be preserved.” 2 Kings 13:20–21 – A dead man revived by touching Elisha’s bones Acts 19:11–12 – Healing through cloths that touched St. Paul