Dem bones, dem bones...

Bits and pieces of the bones of St. Thérèse of Lisieux are on a journey around this country for those who are so minded to see, touch, kiss or whatever. This veneration of relics of Saints has a long history in Roman Catholicism and the belief is that such relics have miraculous powers. At least, because St. Thérèse died relatively recently the provenance of her bones is well enough established, so the faithful can be sure that what they are worshiping is what it says on the tin, as it were. It is often said that if all the "pieces of the true cross" from around the world were assembled in one place, they would be sufficient to build a reasonable sized outhouse. So what do we make of those who will queue for hours for the chance of touching St. Thérèse's bones - or more to the point touching the perspex case which holds the wooden box which holds said bones? I personally find the whole business ridiculous, but if there are those who get spiritual comfort from such an act, I am certainly not going to criticise them. We must all come to terms with what life has thrown at us in our own way, and if it works for you, that's all that matters.