While the Vatican holds the world’s largest collection of relics, a small chapel in the United States may surprise many by housing the second largest, with more than 5,000 relics that tell a story of centuries of faith and holiness.
This extraordinary spiritual treasure is located in Pittsburgh, Penn., where Saint Anthony Chapel stands—a sanctuary that, at first glance, appears to be just another church, but leaves visitors speechless once they step inside.
A Dream Born of Faith
The chapel was built in 1880 with a clear purpose: to house the vast collection of relics gathered by Father Suitbert Mollinger, parish priest of the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus.
Convinced of God’s healing power and the spiritual value of relics, the priest dedicated much of his life to rescuing and preserving them. However, when it became clear that the parish could not afford the expense, the proposal was rejected.
“Realizing that the parish could not afford the expense of a new building, the committee voted against this proposal. Father Mollinger decided that he would finance a Chapel with his private funds. The cornerstone was laid on the feast of St. Anthony, June 13, 1882, and exactly one year later the chapel was dedicated,” the chapel explains on its website.
Thus, his faith, sacrifice, and generosity made this unique sanctuary possible. Today, it is considered one of the greatest spiritual treasures in the United States.
More Than 5,000 Relics
Today, the chapel houses more than 5,000 relics, displayed in over 800 reliquaries. It also preserves 525 authentic certificates validating the relics’ authenticity; many of these documents are more than 200 years old.
The chapel contains relics of apostles, martyrs, and saints from every era, as well as fragments of the True Cross. These are displayed on altars and in glass cases, creating a space that invites contemplation and prayer.
Beneath the main altar rest the remains of the martyr Saint Demetrius, alongside the skulls of other martyrs such as Saint Macarius, Saint Stephanie, and the companions of Saint Ursula. Behind the tabernacle stands a gilded reliquary containing relics of the saints named in the First Eucharistic Prayer, while other reliquaries hold a relic for each day of the liturgical year.
The chapel also houses a certified copy—blessed by Pope Leo XIII—of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Among the most notable pieces is a reliquary shaped like a monstrance that contains relics of great saints, including Saint John the Baptist, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Agnes, and Saint Cecilia.
How Did One Priest Assemble Such an Impressive Collection?
During the 19th century, the unification movements in Italy and Germany placed many Catholic relics at risk. In Italy, the movement known as the Risorgimento led to the suppression of monasteries and the dispersal of sacred objects, which often ended up in pawnshops or private collections. There, Father Mollinger was able to rescue many of them and provide a safe place.
In Germany, the Kulturkampf policies, spearheaded by Otto von Bismarck, resulted in the persecution of the Church: seminaries were closed, the Jesuits were expelled, and numerous relics were sent abroad to prevent their loss or destruction. This context enabled the priest to assemble much of his remarkable collection.
For Father Mollinger, relics were not simply ancient objects, but tangible signs of God’s love—means of drawing people closer to the faith and strengthening their spiritual lives.
A Place That Invites Wonder and Prayer
Each year, thousands of pilgrims visit the chapel, where every corner is designed to foster silence, contemplation, and prayer. Walking through its halls is like journeying through the living history of the Church and encountering the silent witness of thousands of men and women who gave their lives for God.