About us
Sacra: Relics of the Saints is an apostolate established to promote the veneration of sacred relics. Sacra works with religious communities, dioceses, and archives to identify, document, authenticate, and repair relics.
Our team also does consultations for postulators and religious superiors to prepare relics for veneration and aids parishes in acquiring relics for their parishes. The apostolate has custody of numerous relics, and an even larger library of references, resources, and contacts.
Sacra provides education about the theology of relics and hosts events to give the faithful a prayerful experience of the presence of the saints.
☞ What Others Say about our Work
I am pleased to recommend highly the work of Sacra: Relics of the Saints for the fitting documentation and care of sacred relics. Sacra, inspired and guided by a profound knowledge of the Catholic Faith and its ancient and ever contemporary practice of the veneration of sacred relics, has assisted me personally in obtaining the proper documentation of relics, in restoring them, when necessary, and in procuring suitable reliquaries for their presentation for veneration. Sean Pilcher, the Director of Sacra, is well prepared, by his extensive study of the many aspects of the practice of veneration of sacred relics and by his fine aesthetic sense, to offer the best possible help in the care of sacred relics to the glory of God and to the honor of those who have lived an heroic life in communion with God. Sacra’s work provides an essential service to Holy Mother Church and is particularly needed in our time.’
—Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
‘The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is grateful to Mr Pilcher for his assistance in locating the relics we desired, including a Blessed with local ties, for the altar in our chapel in our new Chancery building. His ability to obtain the relics for us with haste due to the scheduled dedication of the chapel, the evident care with which the relics were prepared, and the beautiful documentation which accompanied them were great blessings adding to the solemnity of our liturgical celebration. In addition, we have greatly appreciated Mr Pilcher’s assistance in authenticating and restoring the collection of relics housed in our Diocesan archives. Mr Pilcher’s love for the Church and affection for the saints is evident, and his professional work reflects this love. It has been a pleasure to work with Mr Pilcher and we look forward to working with Sacra in the future.’
—Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester
‘Working together with Sacra has been a real blessing for us. Our Holy Father St Norbert had a great love for relics and we, his sons, are grateful to God for Sacra, such an amazing resource in navigating today's world of Sacred Relics.’
—Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph Hayes, Abbot, St Michaels’s Abbey
‘With real expertise both in the Latin language and in matters pertaining to relics, Sean has an invaluable contribution to make in the Church today. Sacra is a wonderful apostolate born out of great love for the Church, and the services Sacra offers can be trusted.’
—Rev. David Friel, Director of Liturgical Formation, St Charles Borromeo Seminary, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
‘It was a pleasure, and an incredible gift, to meet Sean, the Director of Sacra. Sacra was able to help the Archdiocese of Detroit identify, authenticate, and repair the relics in the Archdiocesan Archives. Not only was he helpful in authenticating relics, but could explain methods for in identifying and authenticating relics. It becomes evident very quickly that he has a vast amount of knowledge with relics, and that he has acquired this knowledge because of his great love for the Church and her saints. I highly recommend anyone who has a question about identifying, authenticating, or repairing relics to contact Sacra. Their expertise was very beneficial to us at the Archdiocese of Detroit.
—Rev. Msgr. Ronald T. Browne, JCL, JD, Judicial Vicar, Archdiocese of Detroit
‘Nowhere else will you find the knowledge, fidelity, and professionalism regarding the care, catechesis, and restoration of sacred relics than in Sean Pilcher at Sacra. The passion and diligence he brought to researching, documenting, and resetting our relics was truly inspiring, offering a fine blend of artistry and reverence. Thank you, Sean Pilcher and sacrarelics.org, for your invaluable contributions to preserving and honoring these precious artifacts.’
—Fr Michael Garry, Diocese of Duluth
‘Mr Pilcher possesses a love for Jesus that is expressed and manifested through the veneration of His Saints and their relics. His work and careful study highlights his reverence and knowledge about sacred relics. This is a gift to our Church. I highly recommend his work and apostolate to those who are in need of assistance regarding relics of Saints.
—Ven. Bro. Jude Emmanuel A. Quinto, OFMCap., Mid-America Province of Saint Conrad of the Capuchins
‘I am happy to recommend the work of Sacra: Relics of the Saints. Sacra provided exemplary service to the Basilica of St Josaphat in cataloging, authentication, and repair of our collection of over 700 relics. The Director also acted as a consultant in the display of our relics and their use for the spiritual benefit of those who visit us. May God continue to bless this Apostolate.’
—Friar Bob Cook, OFM Conv, Rector, St Josaphat Basilica
‘It has been a tremendous joy to have met Sean and worked with him in the bringing to life the saints of the Church. His knowledge and experience in the confusing and piece-meal world of relics, combined with his love for the saints, the Church, and the Lord make him a wonderful partner. He has assisted my parish in restoring & identifying relics we already had, as well as bringing to us relics of various patrons. He is a great resource to anyone with relic needs.’
—Fr Austin Barnes, Diocese of St Paul & Minneapolis
‘After coming into possession of a variety of relics without the original documentation, someone pointed me in the direction of Sacra. They could not have been more helpful. Sacra went about researching the relics and ending up issuing new documentation for nearly every relic I sent. Throughout the entire process Sean was willing to answer any questions and provide more information on the relics. Sacra provides an invaluable service to the Church, and is a great resource for research, authentication, and repair. Even more, though, Sacra’s work encourages us to make friends with the saints, to learn from their example, and to seek their intercession. I would recommend any person, church, or institution to avail themselves of Sacra’s expertise and to learn from them the place of relics in our Faith.’
—Rev. Joseph A. Ferme IV, Priest in Further Studies, Pontifical North American College
‘I have been blessed to meet the acquaintance of Sean Pilcher of Sacra as he has been greatly helpful to me in discerning the authenticity relics and other objects for my own collection at papalartifacts.com. He has become one of my regular go-to experts; there are not many true experts out there.’
—Fr Richard Kunst, Curator, Papal Artifacts