Patron of epidemics: Cathedral shows St Corona relics

Reuters Videos
Updated

Meet the patron of epidemics: Saint Corona

Germany's Aachen cathedral dugged out the relics

of the little-known St. Corona

She was 16 years old when she was killed for her faith

(SOUNDBITE) (German) HEAD OF AACHEN CATHEDRAL TREASURE CHAMBER, BIRGITTA FALK, SAYING:

"St Corona suffered a particular martyrdom. Two palm trees were pulled apart and tied to the ground. She was bound between the two of them, the ropes were cut, and she was torn apart in between the two trees. It is a very gruesome story. That is why she is the patron of lumberjacks. But she also stands for the saint against epidemics. That is a minor function. And it also by pure chance, that she is also called upon for the resistance of epidemics."

Corona's relics were kept in a tomb

underneath a slab in the cathedral

Now experts are polishing her shrine

so the public can see its full glory

(SOUNDBITE) (German) HEAD OF AACHEN CATHEDRAL TREASURE CHAMBER, BIRGITTA FALK, SAYING:

"Of course St Corona can be worshipped. Like many other Saints, she maybe a source of hope in these difficult times."