The Fr. Herbert Linenberger, C.PP.S. & James Herbert Brungardt Memorial Relic Collection

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith."

— Hebrews 12:1–2

A Tradition of Faith

Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, relics have been treasured as tangible reminders of the holiness to which every Christian is called. A relic is a physical object associated with Our Lord or with one of His saints. First-class relics are the bodily remains of a saint, second-class relics are items personally used by a saint, and third-class relics are objects that have been touched to a first-class relic. The Church does not worship relics. Rather, Catholics venerate them because they remind us of God's grace at work in the lives of His saints. Just as we cherish family heirlooms that remind us of those we love, relics remind us of the faithful men and women who have gone before us and now intercede for us before God. Through their example, we are encouraged to imitate their virtue, deepen our devotion to Jesus Christ, and remember that we, too, are called to holiness. May this collection of sacred relics inspire all who visit the St. Rose of Lima Adoration Chapel to grow in faith, seek the prayers of the saints, and draw ever closer to our Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Dedicated to Two Faithful Servants

This memorial collection is dedicated to Fr. Herbert Linenberger, C.PP.S., and James “Jim” Herbert Brungardt, two faithful men whose lives reflected a deep love for Christ, His Church, and the Communion of Saints.

Fr. Herbert Linenberger was the great-great-uncle of Fr. Daniel J. Duling, pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Mt. Vernon and St. Louis Parish in Waterloo. Ordained to the priesthood on May 12, 1935, for the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), Fr. Herb faithfully served the Church as a teacher at St. Charles Seminary in Carthagena, Ohio, before being elected Moderator General of his congregation, serving in Rome from 1959 to 1971. During the pontificate of Pope St. John XXIII, Fr. Herb participated in the Second Vatican Council, contributing to one of the most significant moments in the modern history of the Church. Yet despite his many accomplishments, his family simply remembered him as "Uncle Herb"—a joyful, humble priest who loved spending time with family and friends and was known for entertaining them with his harmonica.

James "Jim" Herbert Brungardt, Fr. Dan's great-uncle, was likewise remembered as a man of deep faith, kindness, and quiet generosity. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Jim served in the United States Army, spending much of his military service stationed in France. Throughout his life, he faithfully lived the Gospel through humble acts of charity, volunteering at his parish food bank, helping neighbors in need, and offering a welcoming presence to everyone he met. Fr. Herb lovingly assembled this relic collection throughout his priestly ministry. After his death, Uncle Jim faithfully preserved and cared for it for many years. Following Jim's passing, the collection was entrusted to Fr. Daniel Duling, who generously donated it to the St. Rose of Lima Adoration Chapel so that these sacred reminders of the saints might continue to inspire prayer, devotion, and a deeper love for Christ for generations to come.

The Saints Whose Relics Are Honored Here

St. Pius X (1835–1914)

Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, St. Pius X served as Pope from 1903 until 1914. Renowned for his humility, holiness, and pastoral care, he encouraged the frequent reception of Holy Communion and lowered the age for First Holy Communion, helping countless young Catholics encounter Christ in the Eucharist. He promoted reverent participation in the sacred liturgy, defended the integrity of Catholic doctrine, and initiated the first comprehensive Code of Canon Law. During the devastating Messina earthquake of 1908, he opened the Apostolic Palace to refugees, personally caring for those in need. Canonized in 1954, St. Pius X is remembered as a shepherd who sought to "restore all things in Christ."

St. Dominic (1170–1221)

St. Dominic de Guzmán founded the Order of Preachers, known today as the Dominican Order. Through his preaching, scholarship, and deep love for truth, he devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel and strengthening the faith of the Church. The Dominican Order has long fostered devotion to the Holy Rosary, and St. Dominic is traditionally associated with its spread throughout the Church. As the patron saint of our parish, St. Rose of Lima embraced Dominican spirituality, modeling her life after its ideals of prayer, penance, humility, and love of Christ.

St. Rita of Cascia (1381–1457)

St. Rita first served God as a faithful wife and mother before becoming an Augustinian nun following the death of her husband. She became renowned for her life of prayer, forgiveness, penance, and unwavering trust in God's mercy. Many miracles have been attributed to her intercession, and she is honored throughout the world as the Patroness of Impossible Causes, as well as the patron saint of widows, troubled marriages, abuse victims, and those facing difficult trials. Her life reminds us that no situation is beyond God's grace.

St. Gaspar del Bufalo (1786–1837)

St. Gaspar del Bufalo was an Italian priest and founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), the same religious congregation to which Fr. Herbert Linenberger belonged. Known for his fearless preaching and profound devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus, St. Gaspar courageously refused to swear allegiance to Napoleon, enduring imprisonment and exile rather than compromise his faith. Following his release, he traveled extensively preaching parish missions, reconciling sinners, restoring peace among divided communities, and bringing hope to the poor. His life of missionary zeal and unwavering fidelity continues to inspire the members of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and all who seek to proclaim Christ with courage and charity.

Prayer Before the Saints

Heavenly Father, through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints whose relics are honored here, strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and perfect us in charity. May their holy example lead us ever closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.