The Relic Chapel at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer – New York, New York - Atlas Obscura
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The Relic Chapel at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer

Manhattan, New York

Relics given to a Manhattan church to avoid seizure by the Italian government. 

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Relics of St. Datian CadaverFormosus (CadaverFormosus)
Relics of St. Datian CadaverFormosus (CadaverFormosus)
Church of the Most Holy Redeemer CadaverFormosus (CadaverFormosus)
Relics in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer CadaverFormosus (CadaverFormosus)
Stained glass in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer CadaverFormosus (CadaverFormosus)
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The relics of obscure Roman martyr St. Datian are encased in a wax effigy in the relic chapel to the right of the altar at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer.

They were sent to the church in 1892 when a wealthy Italian woman could no longer afford to keep them in her private chapel. She donated them to avoid their seizure by the Italian government. There were rumors that the bones of the martyr were actually the bones of a policeman who was shot defending the church from burglars but the parish denies this.

The relic chapel also features small relics from over 150 other saints.

Know Before You Go

3rd St. between Ave. A and B, nearest subway stop is the 2nd Ave F stop. Church is typically open 30 minutes before published service times.

relics relics and reliquaries
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April 29, 2013
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