It's as powerful as Catholic Guilt!
Being guarded by my Mom (back home in the US), my family has a First Class Relic. We know the history, have the paperwork, etc. I was always vaguely aware of the fact that we had this but never gave it much thought.
Five years ago, when I was pregnant with SmallBoy, I was diagnosed with a nasty blood disorder. When he was small I underwent treatment. The treatment while on the drugs was successful but I relapsed when taken off the medicine at the end of the course. Two/three weeks ago I started another round of treatment -- more medicine, toxic drugs with nasty side effects, etc..
When we were home for Thanksgiving Mom said she wanted me to take the relic home with me for the year, to have and to use while I was undergoing treatment. I forgot to get it from her and she posted to me. It arrived today.
The responsibility is AMAZING. I'm now so worried I'm going to lose this amazing thing she has loaned to me. But at the same time, as I held the pouch it is kept in, I felt amazingly calm and strong, something I haven't felt since I started taking my medicine over two weeks ago.
Growing up Catholic I knew about Relics and I understand their power. Over the years this particular Relic has also helped family members and, within the last few months, has helped a friend of my mom's (who I also know and I know how poorly she was). When I called Mom to let her know I was holding it she said "Use it well."
But.... I've never had to use a Relic before. I have been given this amazing gift (and responsibility) but how do I "use it well"? Recently my prayers have been to Mary, asking for help, guidance and protection of SB (for an un-related issue that I'd rather not get into here) and to Jesus for guidance on raising SB. I don't know how to "use" a Relic. Can anyone offer and suggestions/guidance?