Where are the remains of Saint Andrew the Apostle?

Saint Andrew the Apostle, one of the most revered apostles in the Catholic tradition, is primarily known for his brave testimony of faith and tireless evangelizing work. Brother of Saint Peter, Andrew played a crucial role in the early years of Christianity, and his life is marked by a profound love and service to Christ. Throughout history, his figure has inspired millions, and his legacy lives on in the faithful’s devotion.

In this article, we will explore his biography, his influence on the early Church, and the place where some of his remains rest in the Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Amalfi, Italy.

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Who was Saint Andrew the Apostle?

Saint Andrew the Apostle was born in Bethsaida, a city of Galilee, and was a fisherman by profession, like his brother Peter. Both were called by Jesus to follow him, leaving behind their daily lives. Andrew the Apostle is mentioned in the Gospels as the first apostles to be called, a testimony to his faith and readiness to follow Christ.

Although his name appears a few times in the Scriptures, his presence was decisive in key moments of Jesus’ life, such as when he introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-42). After Christ’s ascension, Andrew dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel, bringing the Christian message to various regions of the known world.

According to tradition, Andrew the Apostle died a martyr in Patras, Greece, around 60 AD. It is said that he was crucified on an “X”-shaped cross, known as Saint Andrew’s cross, and his death was a testimony to his courage and commitment to faith. Although precise historical accounts of his martyrdom vary, Catholic tradition holds that Andrew suffered a long martyrdom, preaching until the end. Devotion to Saint Andrew quickly spread throughout the Christian world, and he is revered as an apostle and an example of sacrifice and dedication to the service of Christ.

Where are his remains?

Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Amalfi, Italy

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Amalfi, Italy, is an essential place for the apostle’s devotees, as it houses some of his remains and relics. In particular, the church holds fragments of his skull and other bones brought to the city in the 9th century. Tradition holds that, after the fall of Constantinople in 1204, the relics of Saint Andrew were transferred from the town to Amalfi, where they were received with great devotion. The crypt of the Cathedral houses these relics, and over the centuries, it has become an important pilgrimage site for the faithful.

It is important to note that although no conclusive historical evidence certifies the authenticity of all the relics, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Amalfi remains a symbol of intense popular devotion. In addition to the relics, the church boasts an impressive artistic and architectural heritage, making it a destination of great spiritual and historical significance.

For more information about this Church, visit the website of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle
Location: Piazza Duomo, 1, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy

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Prayer

Powerful prayer to Saint Andrew the Apostle

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

First called Apostle of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, first called follower of the Church, most praised Andrew! We honor and glorify your apostolic works, commemorate with love your blessed coming to us, remember and venerate your honorable sufferings by crucifixion, which you endured for Christ; we venerate your sacred relics, honor your holy memory, and firmly believe that the Lord lives and that your soul also lives.

You remain with Him for ages in heaven, where you have the same love for us as when, in the Holy Spirit, you foresaw our conversion to Christ. Not only do you love us, but you also pray for us to God, seeing all our needs in His light.

Thus we believe and in our faith confess, Oh Saint Andrew, blessed Apostle of the Lord, we ask and beseech our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ that through your prayers, always heard and accepted by Him, He may grant us sinners all those things necessary for our salvation and holiness.

Just as you, according to the voice of the Lord, promptly left your nets and followed Him unwaveringly, may each of us not seek what is for ourselves but rather think of the care and comfort of our neighbor and support their higher spiritual vocation. And, having you as our representative and intercessor, we have hope in your prayers, which are of great value before our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belongs all glory, honor, and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ages upon ages.

Amen.

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In conclusion, Saint Andrew the Apostle, as one of Jesus’s first apostles, represents a fundamental figure in the history of the Catholic Church. His life, marked by a decisive call to follow Christ, is a testimony of a faith that did not waver in the face of sacrifice. Despite his difficulties and persecutions, Saint Andrew the Apostle remained steadfast in spreading the Gospel, traveling through various territories, and establishing a Christian community that would endure for generations.

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Amalfi, where his relics rest, stands as a monument of faith and veneration. Although the historical authenticity of the relics has been a subject of debate, the spiritual importance of this place is undeniable. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this Cathedral each year, seeking not only to get closer to the remains of this venerated saint but also to receive comfort and strength in their own faith journey. The presence of these relics in Amalfi underscores the deep connection that Christians maintain with the apostles and martyrs who laid the foundations of the early Church.

Saint Andrew continues to be a model of obedience and total dedication to the divine mission, an example for all Christians who seek to live according to the principles of the Gospel. His intercession is still invoked in times of difficulty, asking for strength and guidance. Through his life and martyrdom, Saint Andrew reminds us that true testimony of faith requires courage, sacrifice, and unconditional love for Christ.

In his memory, the faithful continue to cultivate a living faith, which finds its expression not only in sacred places, such as the Cathedral but also in the day-to-day Christian life, guided by the example and intercession of the apostle who was called to follow Jesus with all his being.