Rome entrusts 26 relics to Saint Joseph shrine

CEBU, Philippines — Mandauehanons will soon become the newest “custodians” of at least 26 relics that Rome will officially entrust to the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City, “tailored fit” for the identity of the church and the city.

In an interview yesterday, May 22, 2026, Fr. Ian Balankig explained that these relics are remains of saints whom the faithful invoke for blessings and graces from God.

Fr. Balankig explained that there are three classifications of relics.

A first-class relic pertains to the physical remains of a saint, such as bone, hair, or skin. A second-class relic consists of personal objects or manuscripts that belonged to a saint, including clothing. Third-class relics are objects that have touched a first-class relic or the body of a saint.

Today, May 23, 2026, at 4 p.m., the National Shrine of Saint Joseph is expected to officially receive the 26 relics through a formal transfer ceremony.

The relics will be carried in procession, sealed, and enshrined.

“These relics of Saint Joseph and the 24 others, now belong to the National Shrine. These would be permanently enshrined here,” said Fr. Balankig.

Among the relics that will be brought to Mandaue are relics from at least six saints devoted to Saint Joseph, relics of the 12 Apostles, a rock fragment from the Last Supper, a relic from the House of the Annunciation, a relic from the Cave of the Nativity where Jesus was born, a relic from the veil of the Virgin Mary, a relic from the crib of Baby Jesus, a splinter of wood from the cross on which Jesus died, and two relics of Saint Joseph.

“Kaning atong mga relics nga gi request, gi tailor fit gyud ni according sa atong simbahan,” said Fr. Balankig.

“Mga santos nga nag debosyon kang Saint Joseph; relics sa mga Apostles because of our Señor de Cena, the identity of Mandaue Church; and Saint Joseph of course our patron but also with the Holy Family being the Traslacion identity sa atong simbahan,” the priest added.

The relics of Saint Joseph belong to the second class, meaning they are personal objects related to him.

“Wala man tay physical remains ni Saint Joseph, like a bone, tissue, or hair. Being the foster father of Jesus, he was also given the privilege to have an extraordinary way to leave this life back to God,” said Fr. Ian, explaining why St. Joseph has no first-class relics.

Yesterday, Fr. Balankig presented to the media two of the 26 relics: those of Sta. Teresa de Ávila and a bone relic of Saint Peter the Apostle.

Fr. Balankig the recalled the narrative of Sta. Teresa de Ávila  who had a great devotion to Saint Joseph during her time. While founding different Carmelite communities, she would always turn to Saint Joseph because, according to her, none of her prayers to him went unanswered.

Other saints known for their devotion to Saint Joseph include Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, and Saint Francis de Sales.

Meanwhile, the relic of St. Peter the Apostle was also included derived from one of the identities of Mandaue City which is the life-sized “Señor de Cena,” or the Last Supper. The life-sized image is one of only two in the Philippines that are more than 100 years old.

“Because naa man tay Señor de Cena life-sized, Rome has given us relic of the 12 apostles,” said Fr. Balankig.

The priest said that the National Shrine of Saint Joseph made the request through Archbishop Abet Uy. Archbishop Uy, as the sitting Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu, made a request to the Order of the Augustinian Discalced (OAD) in Rome.

Rome then assessed whether there was a need for the relics to be granted.

“Dili man ang tanang simbahan ang matagaan og ingon ani. Dili ni siya prebilihiyo, it is not easily given,” said Fr. Balankig.

He added that Rome determines where the relics should go and who may request them.

The priest said that after the assessment, Rome approved the request since Saint Joseph in Mandaue is a National Shrine, the center of devotion to Saint Joseph in the country, and because it would help bring people closer to Saint Joseph.

Fr. Balankig said they only made the request this year.

“Really, it is a grace,” said Fr. Balankig, noting that he was also surprised by the approval of the request.

The OAD wanted assurance that the relics would be kept safe and properly venerated.

Additionally, the reliquaries, or the holders where the relics are placed, are locally made in Mandaue City.

To prove their authenticity, Fr. Balankig said the official in charge of relics in Rome will issue documents attesting to their origin and authenticity.

The faithful can venerate the relics on two Sundays, May 24 and May 31, where they may touch the glass and whisper their petitions and prayers to the saints.

After the two Sundays, Fr. Balankig said the relics will be temporarily kept while the shrine undergoes renovation.

The relics will eventually be placed in their respective permanent locations once the renovation is completed. (CEBU NEWS)