The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
 

The great cathedrals of Europe commonly have several shrines. Usually, the shrine would have some type of relic associated with the saint. The tradition of relics is part of the most ancient tradition of the Church. Relics are the mortal remains of a saint's body (first class relic) or some object sanctified by coming in contact with the saint (second class relic). Relics were and continue to be used to help remind people to lead saintly lives and to invoke the intercession of the particular saint. Cathedral shrines draw pilgrims from near and far, who come to venerate the relics and ask for the intercession of the saints.

Usually, a single cathedral will have several shrines, usually close to the main altar. An ambulatory (walkway) behind and around the sanctuary allows the pilgrims to visit the shrines without disturbing Mass that may have been going on at the time.

We have two shrines like this: The Shrine of St. Charles Borromeo (to see this, use the Tour Map link at the top of the blue left column) and The Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. However, neither contain relics (we do have relics in each altar in our Cathedral -- it has also been a long tradition of the Church to house in altars a relic of a particular saint, to show the intimate connection between the body of believers on earth and in heaven).

Follow the humble prayer of this child to enter the Immaculate Conception Shrine.