On the Theology of Veneration of Relics of the Most Precious Blood of Christ

Abstract

The article expounds the theology of veneration of relics of the Most Precious Blood of Christ in the Croatian shrine at Ludbreg and also in other shrines of the Catholic Church. The Catholic teaching on transubstantiation is of great importance for a theological understanding of the devotion to the Blood of Christ. Therefore, the first part of the article presents the teaching on transubstantiation whereby some critical reflections are examined, but a different approach to this teaching as well, as propounded by the French philosopher, Jean–Luc Marion. The second section deals with particular theological theories on the Blood of Christ, followed by a concise summation of the theology of veneration of the Blood of Christ which assigns the veneration of the Blood of Christ to the theology of the icon. In this account of contemporary iconical veneration of the Blood of Christ in Ludbreg and other shrines, we assert the importance thereof for an understanding and living of the Eucharist.