Since the early centuries of Christianity, relics related to the Passion of Christ have aroused deep veneration on the part of the faithful. Among them, the relics of the Blood of Jesus occupy a special place, embodying the redemptive sacrifice of the Son of God for humanity. These precious relics, preserved in different churches and shrines throughout the world, are perceived as tangible signs of the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord. In this article, we will explore their origin, their transmission through the ages, the shrines that house them and their spiritual importance for Christians.
Reliquary containing a relic of the blood of Jesus Christ on relics.es
The Meaning of the Blood of Christ in the Christian Faith
The blood of Jesus Christ is a central symbol of Christianity. In the Gospels, Christ himself speaks of it at the Last Supper: "This is my blood of the covenant, which is shed for many" (Matthew 26:28). This verse establishes the sacrificial dimension of his Blood, which seals the New Covenant between God and humanity.
In the Christian tradition, the Blood of Christ is seen as the instrument of redemption. Saint Paul states in his letter to the Hebrews: "Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). The sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the Cross, is the ultimate act of love and mercy by which man is reconciled with God.
The Blood of Christ is also at the heart of the Eucharist, which perpetuates his offering and his real presence among the faithful. Each Mass recalls the sacrifice of Golgotha, making this offering alive and current for the Church.
The Origin and Transmission of the Relics of the Blood of Christ
The Apostolic Tradition and the Preservation of the Blood of Christ
According to some ancient traditions, the Virgin Mary and the disciples of Jesus collected his Blood after the Crucifixion. The Holy Shroud, the Tunic of Argenteuil and the Shroud of Turin bear witness to this piety towards everything impregnated with the divine Blood. Some accounts also suggest that Saint Joseph of Arimathea, who asked Pilate for permission to bury Christ, collected part of his Blood in a cup, which would later become associated with the Holy Grail.
Other traditions report that Roman soldiers or witnesses of the Crucifixion recovered Blood shed on the ground of Golgotha and preserved it. These precious relics were then transported to various regions of the Christian world, contributing to their diffusion and the creation of sanctuaries where they were venerated from the first centuries.
The dispersion of relics across the Christian Empire
From the first centuries, with the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity under Constantine, the preservation and veneration of the relics of Christ became a priority for the Church. Many relics of the Blood of Christ were transferred to the West, in particular to Rome, Byzantium and Gaul. The increase in the crusades and pilgrimages to the Holy Land reinforced this dispersion of relics, some knights returning with vials containing, according to them, the Blood of Christ preserved since the Passion.
During the Middle Ages, the veneration of the relics of the Blood of Christ reached a peak, with the construction of specific sanctuaries to house them and the establishment of particular rituals intended to magnify their presence in the Church.
The Blood of Christ and the Holy Grail: Sacred Relics and Spiritual Quest
The relics of the Blood of Christ and the Holy Grail are two fundamental elements of the Christian tradition and medieval mysticism, sharing a strong symbolic link and a history intertwined with faith, legends and spiritual quest. The Holy Grail, often assimilated to the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper and in which Joseph of Arimathea is said to have collected his blood after the crucifixion, is a central object of Arthurian stories and the mysteries of Christian chivalry. As for the relics of the Blood of Christ, they are venerated in different forms throughout Europe, often in the form of ampoules containing a liquid supposed to be the blood of Christ, preserved and transmitted through the centuries.
The connection between these two traditions is based on the idea that the blood of Christ, as a sacred element and source of eternal life, gives the Grail a transcendent dimension. In medieval stories, the Grail is not only a material object, but also a symbol of purity and spiritual quest, reserved for knights worthy of accessing its revelation. Among these stories, "Perceval ou le Conte du Graal" by Chrétien de Troyes, and later the texts of the Quest for the Holy Grail , illustrate this association between the chalice and the divine.
Moreover, several relics of the Blood of Christ have given rise to particular cults, notably the relic preserved in Bruges, in the Basilica of the Holy Blood, brought back according to tradition by Thierry of Alsace during the Second Crusade. Another famous relic is that of Mantua, in Italy, which is said to have been collected by Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced Christ's side with his lance. These relics, although distinct from the Arthurian myth, have in common with the Grail this idea of a divine blood carrying salvation and mystery.
The connection between blood relics and the Grail was also strengthened by the influence of knightly orders and the Crusades. The Templars, in particular, have often been associated with Grail legends, with some even speculating that they possessed a cup containing the precious blood of Christ. This idea has fueled many esoteric theories and stories, where the Grail becomes the receptacle of the Redeemer's blood, uniting Christian tradition with spiritual and chivalric aspirations.
From a theological point of view, the presence of Christ's blood in the chalice of the Mass establishes a direct parallel between the Eucharist and the Holy Grail. The cup of sacrifice thus becomes not only a historical or legendary object, but also a central principle of the Christian faith, where the faithful symbolically communes with Christ through his blood.
The main relics of the Blood of Christ throughout the world
The Blood of Christ holds a central place in the Christian faith. It is considered the symbol of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Many relics claiming to contain or have come into contact with this precious blood are preserved throughout the world, each with a fascinating history and deep roots in religious tradition. Among these relics, some are particularly famous and continue to attract the faithful and pilgrims in search of spirituality. Here is an overview of the most important relics of the Blood of Christ.
The Holy Blood of Mantua (Italy)
One of the most famous relics of the Blood of Christ is kept in Mantua, Italy, in the Basilica of St. Andrew. This ampoule is said to contain the blood of Christ, brought back by Longinus, the Roman centurion who, according to the Gospels, pierced Jesus' side with his lance during the crucifixion (John 19:34).
The story of the relic
According to tradition, Longinus recognized Jesus as the Son of God when he saw the water and blood flowing from his side. Filled with faith, he collected some Blood in an ampoule and took it with him. This relic was then transmitted through the centuries until it was installed in Mantua.
Religious and cultural significance
Today, the Holy Ampulla is kept in a reliquary of great beauty and is only exposed on certain solemn occasions. Thousands of pilgrims come every year to venerate this relic, especially during the Good Friday celebrations.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges (Belgium)
In Belgium, the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges houses another precious relic of the Blood of Christ. It is said to have been brought back from the Holy Land by Thierry of Alsace, Count of Flanders, in the 12th century, after the Second Crusade.
The Legend of the Relic
According to historical accounts, Count Thierry received this relic as a reward for his commitment to the Crusades and brought it back to his hometown of Bruges. Since then, it has been carefully preserved in a sumptuous gilded reliquary.
The Procession of the Holy Blood
Every year, the city of Bruges celebrates this relic with a spectacular procession called "the procession of the Holy Blood". This ritual, which takes place on Ascension Day, attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. The relic is carried through the city in a solemn procession, accompanied by worshipers in medieval costumes, religious songs and prayers.
The Holy Relic of Weingarten (Germany)
Another important shrine is in Weingarten, Germany, where a relic of the Blood of Christ has been preserved since the 11th century. This relic is said to have been brought from Italy by the knight Baldwin of Flanders before being entrusted to the Benedictine abbey of Weingarten.
The Blutritt: a unique horse procession
The most striking element of the veneration of this relic is the annual procession called the "Blutritt" (Blood Cavalcade). It is the largest equestrian procession in Europe, bringing together thousands of riders in traditional costume each year. The Blutritt takes place on the Friday following the Ascension and symbolizes the devotion of the faithful to the Blood of Christ.
The relic of the Blood of Christ in the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome)
One of the oldest basilicas in Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, also preserves a relic of the Blood of Christ. This precious relic is said to have been brought back from Jerusalem during the Byzantine era.
The Sancta Sanctorum
The relic is carefully guarded in the chapel of the "Sancta Sanctorum", a sacred place accessible only during certain liturgical ceremonies. This sanctuary is one of the most venerated in Catholicism, as it also contains other important relics of Christianity.
Its theological importance
For the Catholic Church, the presence of a relic of the Blood of Christ in the Lateran Basilica reinforces the sacred character of this church, which is considered the "mother of all the churches of the world."
The Holy Blood of the Sainte-Chapelle, Paris (France)
The acquisition of the relics of the Passion of Christ by Louis IX forced him to erect the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The Holy Blood joined the Crown of Thorns (purchased in 1239 from the Venetians), the True Cross, the Nails, the Lance, the Sponge, the Shroud, the Purple Mantle and the Cross of Victory directly (purchased in 1241 from Emperor Baldwin II); who had previously had to part with the relics and other possessions, pawned to replenish the finances of the Empire. Before being resold to Saint Louis, the relics stayed at the Cistercian abbey of Sainte-Marie De Percheio (October 1241); the latter having been the largest lender at the time of the pawning.
The Holy Blood disappeared, like many other holy relics, during the revolutionary events.
The Precious Blood of the Basilica of Saint-Jacques in Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre (France)
Cardinal Eudes of Tusculum is said to have brought back from Jerusalem in the 13th century two drops of the Blood of Christ in a glass ampoule. He donated them to the Saint-Étienne church in Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre, located in the Indre department, in 1257. Since then, the procession of the Precious Blood pilgrimage has taken place every Easter Monday. The relic is then paraded through the streets of the town before being returned to the Saint-Jacques basilica (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where it is displayed in a window and visible all year round.
Other relics of the Blood of Christ in the world
Besides these great relics, other churches and monasteries claim possession of fragments of the Blood of Christ, including:
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The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem : some believe that some of the Blood of Christ is still present there, having been absorbed by the stone of Golgotha.
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Valencia Cathedral (Spain) : Although best known for its Holy Chalice, it is also said to have a small relic of the Blood of Christ.
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Westminster Abbey (England) : Some Anglican traditions report that a fragment of the Blood of Christ was kept there in the Middle Ages.
The cult and veneration of the relics of the Blood of Christ
Rituals of veneration and indulgences
Since the Middle Ages, the Church has instituted codified rituals to honor the relics of the Blood of Christ, considered tangible testimonies of the Passion. These rituals include specific prayers, votive masses, and blessings granted in the presence of the relics. Liturgical ceremonies are often accompanied by incensing and sacred chants, thus reinforcing the spiritual dimension of worship.
One of the most solemn moments of veneration is the procession of the relics, where the relics are carried through the city or church under an ornate canopy. The faithful, often carrying lighted candles, follow the relic singing liturgical hymns and reciting prayers of intercession. These processions, which take place on specific dates in the liturgical calendar, such as Good Friday or the Feast of the Precious Blood (formerly celebrated on July 1), symbolize collective devotion and faith in the redemptive power of Christ.
The Church has also linked the veneration of the Blood of Christ to indulgences, the remission of temporal punishments due to sins already forgiven. Pilgrims who come to these relics with a spirit of faith and contrition can receive plenary or partial indulgences, according to the conditions defined by the ecclesiastical authority. This practice has reinforced the attraction of the shrines housing these relics, drawing crowds of faithful in search of grace and salvation.
Miracles associated with the relics of the Blood of Christ
Throughout the centuries, many testimonies have reported miracles attributed to the relics of the Blood of Christ, contributing to their veneration and fame. These miracles manifest themselves in different forms: unexplained healings of serious illnesses, sudden conversions of sinners, providential interventions during natural disasters or wars.
One of the most famous cases is that of the miracle of the Blood of Saint Januarius, in Naples, where a vial containing what is presented as the blood of the saint liquefies on certain dates of the year. Similarly, medieval chronicles relate prodigies that occurred around the Holy Blood of Bruges or the Holy Blood of Mantua, where extraordinary cures are said to have been obtained after the veneration of the relics.
These stories have had a considerable impact on popular piety and are perceived as divine manifestations confirming the real presence of Christ in his Blood. They have helped to maintain and strengthen the faith of believers throughout the centuries.
Eucharistic symbolism
The veneration of the relics of the Blood of Christ finds its ultimate meaning in Eucharistic doctrine. Indeed, in Catholic theology, the wine consecrated during the Mass truly becomes the Blood of Christ through the mystery of transubstantiation. Contemplating these relics thus invites the faithful to meditate on the sacrifice of Christ and to deepen their relationship with the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life.
This spiritual dimension is particularly highlighted during the exhibitions of the Blessed Sacrament in connection with the relics of the Blood of Christ. These moments of prayer allow believers to renew their faith in the real presence of Christ and to relive inwardly the moment when, during the Last Supper, Jesus offered his Blood for the remission of sins.
Thus, the veneration of the Blood of Christ goes beyond simple devotion to relics: it invites an interior conversion and a deeper participation in the mystery of Salvation, echoing the words of Christ: "He who drinks my blood has eternal life" (John 6:54).
Conclusion: A spiritual treasure for the Church
The relics of the Blood of Christ are an inestimable treasure for the Church and the faithful. They are a powerful reminder of the reality of Christ's sacrifice, his infinite love for humanity and the hope of the Resurrection. Even today, these relics continue to attract pilgrims from all over the world, bearing witness to the liveliness of the Christian faith and the presence of Christ among his people.
