Is St. Anthony's Chapel in Pittsburgh really the largest relic collection outside the Vatican?

It is commonly described that way, and with about 5,000 relics it is the largest collection reported in the United States. The comparison with the Vatican is a popular claim, not an audited one.

United States · YOUR QUESTION, ANSWERED

Where can I see saints' relics in the United States?

By Andrew McGilly, Founder of Bold Pilgrim · Updated 2026-10-08

The largest collections are at St. Anthony's Chapel in Pittsburgh, with about 5,000 relics gathered by Fr. Suitbert Mollinger in the nineteenth century, and the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics in Ohio, with about 1,100. St. John Cantius Church in Chicago holds about 1,800, most kept in a vault, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame, Indiana, about 1,200. Relics of individual saints are also kept at their national shrines, and major relics periodically tour American dioceses.

Illustration of a stone pilgrimage path through green hills toward a chapel, with two distant walkers — Editorial illustration · AI-generated · Not a specific destination

The figures are the shrines' own, as reported by OSV News and CNA; collections of this size include relics with very different levels of documentation. Maria Stein's began in 1875 when a priest entrusted his collection to the Sisters of the Precious Blood. St. Anthony's Chapel was built in 1880 and enlarged in 1892. Both are places of prayer, not museums, and visiting arrangements differ, so check with each shrine before travelling.

Relics of individual saints are kept at their own national shrines, such as the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and the St. John Neumann shrine in Philadelphia. For a visiting relic, such as the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, which toured American dioceses in late 2025, watch your diocesan website.

This question may be part of your discernment

Relics & Saints PilgrimageA relics and saints pilgrimage takes you to the tombs and relics of the Church's holy men and women, to honor what God did in them, to ask their prayers, and to learn from them how to follow Christ.

All pilgrimages by spiritual purpose

Sources & further readingOur Sunday Visitor / OSV News: U.S. shrines boast massive numbers of saint relics (2023)EWTN News / CNA: Everything you should know about relics (2025, updated 2026)EWTN News: Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux begin U.S. tour (October 2025)

Official sources cover institutional information. Suggested pacing and itinerary choices are planning guidance. Check current arrangements for your travel dates.

Where can I see saints' relics in the United States?

Related questions, answered

Is St. Anthony's Chapel in Pittsburgh really the largest relic collection outside the Vatican?

This question may be part of your discernment

Related questions