The relics of Saint Simon, also known as Simon the Zealot, are a precious treasure of the Catholic Church. According to Christian tradition, Saint Simon was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and traveled with him for many years preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. After Jesus' death and resurrection, Simon continued to preach the word of God and was eventually martyred at Perses in Persia.
The relics of Saint Simon have been venerated by the faithful of the Catholic Church for centuries. However, it is difficult to determine the authenticity of the relics of Saint Simon. As with many other relics, whether Saint Simon's remains are genuine has long been debated by scholars and historians.
The first evidence of the existence of the remains of Saint Simon date back to the 4th century. The writings of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem refer to the relics of Saint Simon. Over the centuries, the relics have been moved several times, and their exact location has become uncertain.
However, in 1968 Pope Paul VI authorized an investigation into the alleged remains of Saint Simon, which were kept in a church in Toulouse, France. Experts examined the remains and concluded they were genuine, although some bones had been lost or moved over time.
The relics of Saint Simon include bones including parts of his skull, teeth and fingers, as well as valuable reliquaries in which the remains are kept. The faithful come from all over the world to venerate the relics of Saint Simon and to pray for his protection and intercession.
The feast of Saint Simon is celebrated on October 28 in the Catholic Church. His life and example continue to inspire believers in their faith and commitment to justice and peace. Although the authenticity of the relics of Saint Simon has been debated, their spiritual and symbolic importance cannot be denied for believers in the Catholic Church and for Christians around the world.
