Holy Thursday Veneration at the Reliquarium, Philipinnes

April 17, 2025

In Marikina City, Philippines is a shrine fittingly named The Reliquarium – The Home of the Sacred Relics. This shrines houses thousands of relics and is one of the largest public displays of relics in the country.

Dr. Dave de la Cruz, O.P., one of the shrine’s founding members, is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on relics.

Through the Blessed Ivan Merz Family in the Philippines, his community works to advance the cause for Bl. Ivan Merz’s canonization.

Blessed Ivan Merz (1896–1928) was a Croatian layman devoted to youth ministry, liturgical renewal, and promoting holiness in daily life. Deeply influenced by World War I and Catholic Action, he dedicated his life to Christ and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

Dr. de la Cruz is also the author of More Precious than Gold: A Catechesis on the Veneration of the Saints and Their Relics which is a Catholic catechesis on the tradition of relics.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Your wounds, hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from You.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to You,
that with Your saints I may praise You
for ever and ever. Amen.