King's College Gifted Relic to Scranton Diocese
A first-class relic of St. Pius X was presented to the Diocese of Scranton on September 8, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Catholicism
King's College presented a first-class bone relic of St. Pius X to the Diocese of Scranton on September 8, 2026. The gift was made to commemorate the re-establishment of the Pius X Seminary in downtown Scranton.
Why it matters
The transfer serves to align the relic with the newly re-established seminary dedicated to the same saint. It preserves a spiritual artifact that has been held by the Congregation of Holy Cross since 1950.
The relic is a first-class specimen consisting of bone. It was presented during a Mass marking the 80th anniversary of the first King's College Convocation Mass.
The players
Bishop Joseph Bambera
He is the Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton who officially accepted the relic.
The Rev. Thomas Campbell
He is a representative of the institution who facilitated the transfer of the relic.
The details
The relic, which had been maintained in a private chapel at a priests' residence, was formally handed over by the Rev. Thomas Campbell. Bishop Joseph Bambera accepted the item on behalf of the diocese during a celebratory service.
Timeline
1946: King's College was founded in Wilkes-Barre.
1950: The Congregation of Holy Cross acquired the relic.
September 8, 2026: King's College presented the relic to the Diocese of Scranton.
Culture Shift
This transition marks a deliberate move to consolidate religious artifacts with their namesake institutions following the 80th anniversary of the first King's College Convocation Mass. It highlights the evolving stewardship of Catholic relics within regional ecclesiastical structures.
The arrival of the relic in downtown Scranton provides local parishioners and seminary students with direct access to a first-class relic for veneration. It marks a permanent change in the local collection of religious artifacts available for diocesan services.
The takeaway
The relocation of historical religious items often mirrors the shifting needs and priorities of modern seminaries. Residents may see this relic play a central role in future liturgical events at the re-established Pius X Seminary.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious history in Catholicism.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times Leader.
