Kult świętych oraz obrazów świętych i relikwii w obowiązującym prawodawstwie Kościoła łacińskiego

Abstract

The article is divided into three parts. The first of them weighs the problem of cults of saints and blessed people who were beatified or canonized by the authority of the Church (Canon Law 1983, 1187). The Church recommends the person of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a special object of veneration and sup­ ports the authentic cult of other saints serving as intercessors or role models for the faithful (Canon Law 1983, 1186). The second part of the paper focuses on the cult of holy images. Veneration of holy images is a fundamental form of cult reserved for Jesus Christ and, in a different way, also saints. The Latin Church supports the practice of installing holy images in churches to be worshipped by the faithful (Canon Law 1983, 1188). The cult of relics is discussed in the final section. Traditionally, the Church venerates its saints and respects their authentic relics. They are parts of their bodies or their belongings. To become the object of veneration, a relic should have a certificate of authenticity.