Buying Relics On Ebay

[Ziggamafu]

So ebay allows the sale of reliquaries that contain first class relics, so long as the relic is only hair (from what I understand). So does the Church frown on (or outright condemn) the purchase of relics? I would really like to obtain some (especially of my patrons) and I don't know how that could be done - or where to begin - outside of ebay. I understand that the technical jargon of the sale is that you're buying the reliquary and the relic itself is a "free gift", but that's obviously just an exploitation of a lucrative loophole.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

Buying relics is forbidden except when the purpose is to save a relic from the abuse it could undergo in the wrong hands.

[Ziggamafu]

So what about the scapulars or medals or rosaries that are sold with a "free blessing" or whatever? Wouldn't that be wrong to?

Regardless, how does one normally go about acquiring (properly) a first class relic?

[EcceNovaFacioOmni]

I think you have to contact whoever is giving them out directly. The free blessing thing irks me as well - along with third class relics being sold.

[jeffpugh]

I think above all things I would question the validity of the relics.... then I would try and obtain them because who knows who would buy them on E-bay... I guess the same goes with selling.... hmm