A most unusual artifact was spotted on the altar in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs at the conclusion of November’s monthly Mass for the Jesuit Community. An oval-shaped brass or silver frame protected by a thin piece of glass, under which were the names of 33 Saints meticulously inscribed in Latin, was actually an exquisite reliquary, which serves to protect the relics of these holy men and women. Each of the 33 Saints, many of whom were Jesuit martyrs (this being the feast of St. Stanislaus Kostka, he is included — his name is in the right column, fifth name from top) have a tiny fragment of what appears to be a “1st Class Relic” preserved below the name. According to Catholic Doors Ministry, the Catholic Church defines a 1st Class Relic as a part of the Saint, such as a bone or hair, that is, the instruments of Christ’s Passion. The 2nd Class Relic consists of something that was owned by the Saint or instruments of torture used against a martyr. The 3rd Class Relic consists of something that has been touched to a 1st or 2nd Class Relic. Anyone can make their own 3rd Class relics by touching an object to a 1st or 2nd Class Relic, including the tomb of a Saint. The reliquary appears to be very old, ancient in fact. Brady Stiller, a junior, borrowed this venerable and delicate historical object from Fr. Ian Bozant, the parochial vicar at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville, to bring to today’s Mass and afterwards to the theology office. An amazing artifact with, to be sure, an incredible history. Perhaps one day the whole story will be told.