Unraveling the Mystery of Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer, West Virginia
The Mystery of Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer, West Virginia
BOOMER, W.Va. – In the small town of Boomer, West Virginia, a church stands out among the rest. Saint Anthony’s Shrine, the only Roman Catholic church in the state designated as a shrine, holds a relic of its patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua. However, the history of this sacred relic remains shrouded in mystery.
Church officials at the diocese in Wheeling, West Virginia, are puzzled by the shrine’s designation and the origin of the relic. Jon-Erik Gilot, director of Archives & Records for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, explains that while all Roman Catholic churches contain relics of saints, a shrine must hold something even more significant. Yet, no records have been found to shed light on the relic at Saint Anthony’s Shrine.
Boomer, settled by Italian immigrants, has a rich history tied to the church. However, little documentation exists regarding the relic. A clue was found in a church history from the 1960s, which mentioned changes made to the altar to accommodate the relic of Saint Anthony.
The word “relic” comes from the Latin word “relinquo,” meaning “I leave” or “I abandon.” There are three classes of relics, with the first class being a part of the saint’s body. The relic at Saint Anthony’s Shrine falls into this category.
A mysterious incident involving the relic was mentioned in the church’s history, adding to the intrigue surrounding the shrine. Saint Anthony, known as the patron saint for recovering lost items, has a tradition of miracles associated with lost people and objects.
Father Dominikus Baok, the current pastor at Saint Anthony’s, is seeking information about the relic’s origin. The shrine, located at 2764 Midland Trail, invites visitors to attend Mass on Sundays at 11 a.m.
The mystery of Saint Anthony’s Shrine in Boomer, West Virginia, continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike. As the search for answers continues, the church remains a place of special devotion and reverence for Saint Anthony.