The word relic comes from the Latin relinquo, literally meaning “I leave”, or “I abandon”. A relic is a piece of the body of a saint, an item owned or used by the saint, or an object which has been touched to the tomb of a saint. Traditionally, a piece of the body of a saint, especially that of a martyr, may be with the permission of the local ecclesiastical authority used in solemn processions recalling the specific holy person.
There are three classes of sacred relics. The first-class is a part of the saint’s body. The second-class is a piece of the saints clothing or something used by the saint, while the third-class is an object which has been touched to a first-class relic.
There are several scriptural passages that support the veneration of relics. For example, the Israelites took Josephs bones when they departed Egypt (Exodus 13:19). The bones of Elisha came in contact with a dead person who then was raised to life (2 Kings 13:21). The same Elisha took the mantle of Elijah and fashioned a miracle with it (2 Kings 2:13). The Christians of Ephesus, by using handkerchiefs and cloths touched to Saint Paul’s skin, effected the healing of the sick (Acts 19:11-12).
To venerate the relics of the saints is a profession of belief in several doctrines of the Catholic faith:
- The belief in everlasting life for those who have obediently witnessed to Christ and His Holy Gospel here on earth;
- The truth of the resurrection of the body for all persons on the last day;
- The doctrine of the splendor of the human body and the respect which all should show toward the bodies of both the living and the deceased;
- The belief in the special intercessory power which the saints enjoy in heaven because of their intimate relationship with Christ the King; and
- The truth of our closeness to the saints because of our connection in the communion of saints we as members of the Church militant or pilgrim Church, they as members of the Church triumphant.
These relics summon us to appreciate more profoundly not only the heroic men and women, who have served the Master so selflessly and generously, but especially the love and mercy of the Almighty who called these His followers to the bliss of unending life in His eternal kingdom.
Saunders, William. “Church Teaching on Relics” Arlington Catholic Herald. accessed 14 October 2023, https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/church-teaching-on-relics.html