Holy Lance Relics of Saint Longinus
in Rome and Mantua
Tradition has it that the centurion, named Longinus, who thrust the Lance into the side of Jesus, striking Him in the Tip of His Heart from which He shed blood and water, (in the Gospel account of the Crucifixion (Mk 15:29)) was from this town. After seeing
the events which followed the piercing of Jesus’ heart, the darkening of the sun, and the earthquake, he believed that Christ was the Savior. A more physical sign, however,
was that Longinus had had poor eyesight, and after having touched his eyes with the water and blood from the side of Jesus, his eyesight was restored. What a perfect parallel the actions of the Centurion were to the Eucharistic Miracle. He touched the Heart of Jesus, was healed, and converted. He gave up the Army, went to Cappadocia, and was martyred for the faith. He is known now as Saint Longinus. His feast day
is celebrated on March 15.
Source Miracles of the Eucharist Book I by Bob and Penny Lord
For those whose hearts burn for Christ, whose souls hunger for living encounters with the source and summit of our faith—the Holy Eucharist—Journeys of Faith invites you on a pilgrimage unlike any other. Step into the rarefied aura of holy sites where Church history and living mystery converge: Rome and Mantua, the sacred resting places of the Holy Lance relics of Saint Longinus, the centurion whose life was changed forever on Calvary. Guided by the impassioned legacy of Bob and Penny Lord, continued by Brother Joseph Freyaldenhoven, Luz Elena Sandoval, and Blanca Perez, our pilgrimages are uncompromising in their fidelity to Catholic doctrine, aflame with devotion to the saints, and rooted in Augustinian fraternity and contemplation.
On this journey, you are not merely a tourist; you are a pilgrim—embracing the Cross, yearning for sanctity, and seeking deeper union with Christ through His saints. Here, the relics of Saint Longinus echo the reverence and power of that salvific moment when blood and water flowed from Christ’s side, and an unbeliever became one of the earliest witnesses to the Eucharistic mystery. Your footsteps will trace those of countless faithful who have proclaimed, in every age, that the path to God is blazoned through encounter, prayer, and living tradition.
Through the lens of passionate storytellers and seasoned saints' experts, this is a pilgrimage that changes hearts, rekindles apostolic zeal, and offers access to the gifts of the Spirit poured out in the shrines and chapels of Christendom. Join us. Be awakened again to the miracles, the martyrs, and the Almighty—where history’s great triumphs of faith become your living inheritance.
The Holy Lance and Saint Longinus
The pilgrimage to the Holy Lance is not just a journey—it is an encounter with the epic moments of salvation history. For centuries, faithful souls have traced the steps of Saint Longinus, the Roman centurion transformed by grace at the very foot of the Cross. The Holy Lance, the lance that pierced Christ's side and witnessed the outpouring of Blood and Water—the foundation of the Sacraments—has occupied a revered place in the Church’s imagination, theology, and tradition.
Traveling to Rome and Mantua, pilgrims immerse themselves in places sanctified by the relics of Saint Longinus. In Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Holy Lance is enshrined near the Baldacchino, drawing the gaze of millions who come seeking a deeper union with the suffering and triumph of the Lord. It is here that the story of Longinus bursts from Scripture into living memory: the blind soldier who professed, “Truly this was the Son of God,” becoming the first convert at Calvary, receiving not only spiritual but physical sight.
Continuing to Mantua, the relic and the cult of Saint Longinus invite pilgrims to venerate this humble centurion whose lance and faith have healed the divide between doubt and belief. The devotion surrounding Longinus stands as a perpetual testimony to the power of Christ’s Sacrifice and the Eucharist—the Source and Summit of our Faith. Each moment spent in prayer before these relics is a thunderous affirmation of Catholic orthodoxy, inviting every heart to echo the centurion’s confession and anchor their lives in the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord.
This pilgrimage is not merely historical or devotional—it is a living call to heroic faith, to witness as boldly as Longinus, and to draw strength from the living Christ present in His saints and His Sacraments.
Embark on Your Pilgrimage with Journeys of FaithHave you felt the tug of the Holy Spirit calling you deeper—into the mystery of the Catholic faith, into communion with the saints, into the very heart of our Eucharistic Lord? At Journeys of Faith, we invite you to step out in trust, just as Saint Longinus did at Calvary, and join a pilgrimage unlike any other.
Ready to say yes? Visit our physical retreat center, join us on pilgrimage, download our free app, or explore our religious media and gift shop. Make your faith journey heroic—travel with Journeys of Faith where the Eucharist is truly the Source and Summit. |
Historical Background of the Holy Lance Relics
The saga of the Holy Lance—also known as the Lance of Longinus—brims with awe and holy mystery. According to sacred tradition and the Gospels, it was the Roman centurion Longinus who pierced the side of Our Lord Jesus Christ as He hung upon the Cross (John 19:34). In that hallowed moment, prophecy was fulfilled: “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced.” This act, at once tragic and triumphant, ties the Holy Lance and its relics inseparably to the drama of our redemption.
Over the centuries, the lance Longinus wielded has inspired fervor, wars, conversions, and countless pilgrimages. Splinters and relics—purported to be fragments of the very weapon that touched the Precious Blood—were venerated in the highest basilicas of Christendom. In Rome, the Holy Lance is safeguarded with utmost reverence within the relic treasury of Saint Peter's Basilica, recognized by popes and venerated by the faithful for over a millennium. Meanwhile, the city of Mantua in northern Italy upholds its own tradition of enshrining a major relic of the lance, often associated with the Byzantine Emperors and a legacy tracing back to the earliest centuries of the Church.
Throughout Catholic history, these relics have not simply been objects of antiquarian interest; they are living witnesses, calling souls to deeper faith and holiness. Great saints, popes, and emperors have come before these relics in tears, prayer, and devotion. The reality of Calvary echoes through the ages in these tangible memorials. Here is the Gospel in gold and wood—the wound in Christ’s side, now a wellspring of sanctifying grace for each generation.
In every age, the relics of the Holy Lance have stirred believers to meditate on the Sacrifice of the Mass, the preciousness of the Eucharist, and the ultimate call to sanctity. In a world longing for the supernatural, these relics remind us that our faith is not a myth but a living history: vivid, sacramental, and rooted in the saving wounds of Christ.
Saint Longinus: The Centurion’s Conversion and Martyrdom
Standing upon Golgotha, a Roman centurion pierced the side of the crucified Christ—blood and water streaming forth, fulfillment of prophecy. It is here, in the moment of sorrow and triumph, that the story of Saint Longinus, the soldier who witnessed the Lord’s final breath, begins. Cloaked in the shadow of empire, Longinus encounters a mystery more powerful than any earthly authority: the wounded Heart of the Savior pouring out mercy for all mankind.
Legend and tradition name him “Longinus.” At the foot of the Cross, his eyes—clouded by duty and perhaps doubt—are transformed. When the precious Blood and Water touch him, the veil lifts: “Truly, this was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39) In that divine instant, skepticism yields to faith, and a soldier becomes a witness. The Holy Lance, which he wielded as an agent of death, becomes a sign of living faith and healing. Some accounts say Longinus, stricken with blindness, regains his sight as Christ’s Blood anoints him—sign of a deeper spiritual vision now awakened.
Source: Miracles of the Eucharist book 1 by Bob and Penny Lord published by Journeys of Faith 1986
Longinus sheds the armor of Rome for the armor of faith. No longer a tool of the Empire’s might, he proclaims the Resurrection. With apostolic fervor, he travels—according to early Christian testimonies—across lands hostile to the Gospel, enduring persecution and relentless opposition. Refusing to renounce Christ, Longinus embraces martyrdom. In imitation of his crucified Lord, he offers his own life in testimony, baptized in the blood of the Lamb.
Today, the relics of Saint Longinus inspire awe in Rome and Mantua, drawing pilgrims into the drama of conversion and steadfast witness. His lance, once an instrument of violence, becomes a beacon for seekers hungry for the truth proclaimed on Golgotha: in Christ crucified and risen, wounded hearts are made whole. The courage and sanctity of Longinus echo down the ages—a clarion call for men and women to encounter the living Christ, and to become, like the centurion, bold heralds of the Gospel, even unto death.
From Calvary to Italy: How the Lance Came to Rome and Mantua
In the searing, history-changing moment atop Calvary, as the world held its breath, a Roman centurion—Longinus—raised his lance and pierced the side of Christ. Blood and water flowed forth, not merely signifying Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy, but marking Saint Longinus himself for a sacred destiny. That ultimate act, performed in trembling witness, would echo across time and continents, seeding veneration and holy awe in every epoch it touched.
The relics of the Lance, sanctified by the very Blood of our Redeemer, became objects of pilgrimage and defender of nations. According to sacred tradition and the awe-filled chronicles of Catholic orthodoxy, it was providence—and the burgeoning faith of the early Church—that moved these precious relics from the dusty roads of Jerusalem to the spiritual heart of Western Christendom.
Rome, center of the apostolic mission and cradle of martyrs, became the first great Western guardian of the Lance. Stories abound of popes, emperors, and saints reverently tracing the very mystery of the Eucharist—as Source and Summit—back to the moment the Lance laid bare the Sacred Heart. The relic given pride of place in the Basilica of Saint Peter became both a rallying standard and a Eucharistic promise. Pilgrims and faithful, seeking holiness and spiritual fortitude, thronged to venerate what had once touched the living God.
Yet in a tale fitting for a faith that blooms on paradox and providence, a second relic—the so-called Lance of Saint Longinus—found its way north, to the city of Mantua. Chroniclers tell how Byzantine emperors, fierce defenders of the True Faith, entrusted the relic to protect Christendom from enemies visible and invisible. Mantua’s Basilica di Sant'Andrea became a fortress not of stone, but of pure Eucharistic devotion, housing the lance and inspiring centuries of holy conversions and miraculous intercessions.
The journey of the Holy Lance from Jerusalem to Rome and Mantua is no mere artifact’s travel—it is a testament of Providence, of the Church’s continual guardianship, and the bold faith of Catholic saints and sinners alike. The lance pierced not only the Heart of Christ, but the hearts of generations, calling them ever deeper into the holy mysteries, the power of sanctity, and the ultimate victory of Christ’s love.
The Basilica of St. Peter: Viewing the Rome Relic
There is no pilgrimage more electrifying, no journey more laden with the supernatural pulse of Catholic tradition, than standing beneath the cupola of St. Peter’s as the Rome relic of the Holy Lance beckons the faithful. Deep within the sacred heart of Christendom, where marble and glory converge above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, the relic attributed to Saint Longinus invites seekers to peer into the living mystery of Calvary.
Legend, faith, and history entwine here: it was the centurion Longinus who, transfixed by the crucified Christ, pierced our Lord’s side with his lance, unleashing the Fountain of Mercy—Blood and Water—the very wellspring of the Church and the Eucharist. The relic now preserved within St. Peter’s Basilica is more than an artifact; it is a physical link to the Passion, an object sanctified by the moment when a soldier’s doubt gave way to supernatural clarity—“Truly, this was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).
To behold the relic—enshrined in a side chapel, guarded in silence—is to ignite a spiritual voltage in the soul. Pilgrims are drawn, some on their knees, tracing the footsteps of centuries of faithful, seeking the grace that poured forth from Christ’s wounded side. Surrounding icons depict Saint Longinus not as a distant figure, but as a convert—an outsider broken wide open by contact with the living God. His legacy is one of radical metanoia, a call to deeper confession, deeper Eucharistic hunger. In the golden hush of the Basilica, the relic is a silent homily: faith can erupt where doubt once reigned.
No mere museum curiosity, the Holy Lance in Rome is a challenge to every Catholic to remember our inheritance—a heroic faith born at the Cross and sealed in supernatural wonder. Here, surrounded by saints’ bones and the flicker of votive candles, hearts are pierced by the same truth that transformed Longinus: “The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith.” The relic of the spear is a summons to sanctity for all who thirst for the living God.
Mantua’s Basilica di Sant’Andrea: Custodian of the Precious Blood
Step into Mantua’s Basilica di Sant’Andrea, and you cross a threshold into the blazing heart of Catholic tradition—a place where faith and history surge together, powered by the testimony of Saint Longinus. This towering Renaissance basilica stands not just as a monument to architectural splendor, but as the holy guardian of a mystery that has stirred Christian souls for centuries.
According to pious tradition, Blessed Andrea Mantegna’s marble sanctuary cradles the very relics of the Precious Blood—the blood and water said to have flowed from Christ’s side as it was pierced by Longinus at Calvary. Here, pilgrims come face to face with the physical reminder of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice: a relic enshrined in a crypt venerated since at least the twelfth century. The basilica’s luminous nave, echoing with centuries of whispered prayers, becomes the setting for a profound encounter with the living memory of the Passion.
Saint Longinus’ story is stamped on every corner. The Roman centurion, pierced not only by a spear but by faith itself, found his blindness healed by the blood of the Lord. Tradition holds he believed, was baptized, and became a fearless witness to the Gospel, eventually shedding his own blood for Christ. His relics, and the treasure of the Precious Blood, draw thousands, igniting devotion and rekindling the fire of Eucharistic faith. The sacred crypt, with its delicate frescos and hushed reverence, invites all who kneel to contemplate the wondrous moment when death surrendered to life, and doubt gave way to unbreakable belief.
Mantua’s Basilica is not merely a site to be toured but a wellspring of spiritual renewal, where pilgrims walk in the footsteps of saints and martyrs. Within these humble walls, the miracle of conversion remains vibrantly alive, compelling souls to adore, believe, and proclaim anew: "The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith."
Eucharistic Theology Reflected in the Holy Lance
The Holy Lance—soaked in the blood and water that flowed from Christ’s pierced side—is more than a relic; it is a living proclamation of Eucharistic truth. Catholic orthodoxy proclaims that every Mass is a re-presentation of Calvary, and at the altar, the crucified and risen Lord pours Himself out for His Church. Thus, the Holy Lance stands as a tactile reminder of this inexhaustible outpouring.
Saint Longinus, the Roman centurion transformed by the moment his spear pierced the Sacred Heart, is forever linked to the revelation of Christ’s dual nature—true God and true Man—most profoundly made present in the Blessed Sacrament. The blood and water symbolize the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism, font and summit of our faith. To venerate the Holy Lance, to stand in its presence in Rome or Mantua, is to meditate not on ancient history, but on a perpetual miracle happening on every Catholic altar.
In the lives of the saints—whose burning love for the Eucharist kindled reform and revival—the Passion of Christ was not fenced in by past tense. Saints, mystics, and the Church herself teach us: the pierced Heart still beats for us. The Holy Lance points beyond itself to the living Christ, veiled under the forms of bread and wine. Here is Catholic orthodoxy ablaze—a call to deeper faith, more ardent worship, and awe before the Lamb of God, slain yet ever-living, offered eternally for us.
Journeys of Faith Legacy: Bob and Penny Lord’s Trailblazing Pilgrimages
Long before “pilgrimage” became a buzzword and Catholic travel an industry, two extraordinary lay apostles set out with an unyielding mission: open the treasures of the Church so every Catholic could walk in the footsteps of the saints. The journey began in the crucible of suffering—a family tragedy transformed into a spiritual renaissance. From that sacred starting point, the pilgrimage movement blazed forward, capturing the hearts and imaginations of the faithful.
Bob and Penny Lord’s passion for the saints and the Eucharist became a contagious apostolate, sparked by their own reawakening to Christ’s Real Presence. Their bold evangelistic vision crashed through obstacles: they dubbed their tours “pilgrimages” before the term reentered the Catholic lexicon, producing Spirit-filled journeys to hallowed sites when most guides remained silent on the miracles and martyrs of Catholic history. With cameras in-hand, they documented holy lands for EWTN, beaming the glory of Rome, Jerusalem, and beyond—straight into the living rooms and souls of millions.
Orthodox and uncompromising, they lifted up the relics, the ancient basilicas, and the stories of men and women consumed by love for Christ and His Church. The stories of Saint Longinus and the very relics of the Holy Lance weren’t arcane trivia—they were marks of Divine Providence that could ignite a spark in lukewarm hearts. Each step, each documentary, each pilgrimage revealed the saints not as distant legends, but as burning torches guiding faithful Catholics to the Heart of the Church: the Eucharist, the Source and Summit, as our Lord intended.
Their legacy is living proof that when lay Catholics embrace the call to “go out to all nations,” guided by orthodoxy and prayer, the Holy Spirit breathes new life into ancient sites. Their pioneering work is a testament to what happens when faith, media, and mission converge: miracles multiply, and the Church is renewed.
Conclusion: Embark on a Pilgrimage of True Faith with Journeys of Faith
When you set out to venerate the Holy Lance relics of Saint Longinus in Rome and Mantua, you don’t just travel—you answer a holy call. At Journeys of Faith, we believe God invites every Catholic to encounter His glory in the footsteps of His saints. With the unwavering legacy of Bob and Penny Lord behind us—true pioneers and “experts on the Catholic Saints”—we boldly continue the work of transforming hearts through pilgrimage, catechesis, and Eucharistic devotion.
Saint Longinus, the centurion who pierced Christ’s side and was utterly transformed by that divine encounter, challenges us to conversion anew with every retelling of his story. His relics are powerful reminders that Christ’s mercy is living, personal, and present—especially in the Eucharist, which we proclaim as “the Source and Summit of our Faith.”
Choose Journeys of Faith and join a communion of believers serious about sanctity, fraternity, and the heart of Catholic orthodoxy. Let us guide you through these sacred sites where Heaven invades Earth and the stories of saints become your own. Sign up through our free app or connect with our team—step out in faith, and let the Lord work wonders in your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Pilgrimage to the Holy Lance Relics of Saint Longinus
What is the Holy Lance of Saint Longinus?
The Holy Lance, revered in Catholic tradition, is the sacred weapon believed to have pierced the side of Jesus Christ as He hung on the Cross. According to the Gospel of John, the Roman centurion who wielded the lance is identified by tradition as Saint Longinus, whose act bore witness to both Jesus’ divinity and the mercy flowing from His Sacred Heart. The lance, sanctified by the Blood of Our Lord, has become a powerful symbol of faith, sacrifice, and conversion—its story inspiring countless generations of Christian pilgrims.
Where are the Holy Lance relics located in Rome?
In the heart of Catholic Rome, a fragment of the Holy Lance is enshrined within St. Peter’s Basilica, held in the Chapel of the Relics (Cappella delle Reliquie). This venerated relic, safeguarded by the Church for centuries, is preserved near the tomb of the Apostle Peter—at the epicenter of Catholicism. Catholic tradition proclaims this relic an authentic connection to Calvary, drawing millions to venerate the source of divine mercy commemorated in the Eucharist.
Where can the Holy Lance relic be found in Mantua?
Another highly venerated relic of the Holy Lance resides in the Basilica di Sant'Andrea in Mantua, Italy. Down through the centuries, this basilica has stood as a spiritual beacon—home to the “Sacro Chiodo e Lancia” (Holy Nail and Lance) and a center for Eucharistic devotion. Pilgrims come from every corner to enter its crypt, where the relic is carefully preserved and honored, forming a living testament to the faith and courage of Saint Longinus.
Who was Saint Longinus?
Saint Longinus, the Roman centurion immortalized in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, is believed to have pierced Christ’s side and subsequently confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Mark 15:39) Moved by the blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ side, Longinus experienced a profound conversion, becoming a fervent disciple and ultimately a martyr for the faith. The Church honors him as both a soldier and a witness—his story proof that no heart is beyond the reach of Christ’s redeeming grace.
What is the historical significance of the Holy Lance?
For nearly two millennia, the Holy Lance has inspired awe and devotion among believers, standing as a tangible sign of the Incarnation and the Passion of Christ. Kings, popes, and saints have sought its protection and viewed it as a relic of divine providence. For devout Catholics, the lance points to the very heart of Christianity: the outpouring of God’s mercy, the Foundational Mystery of the Eucharist, and the universal call to sanctity. Pilgrimages to its relics are not mere journeys, but acts of faith and renewal, echoing the Church’s unbroken tradition.
Are the Holy Lance relics on public display?
Both in Rome and Mantua, the relics of the Holy Lance are kept with great reverence and, on special occasions, made accessible for public veneration. In St. Peter’s Basilica, the relic is especially celebrated on major feast days and during Holy Week. At the Basilica di Sant'Andrea in Mantua, the relic may also be viewed during specific liturgical celebrations or by arrangement with the basilica staff. As always, pilgrims are encouraged to approach these treasures with reverence, awe, and a spirit of deep prayer—participating in the living heritage safeguarded by the Catholic Church.
Join Journeys of Faith and walk in the footsteps of Saint Longinus, experiencing firsthand the sites where Christ’s mercy is boldly proclaimed and where the Eucharist stands as Source and Summit.