1) What is a saintly relic?
- A relic is an item associated with Jesus, Mary or the Saint.
- Relics a usually displayed in containers called reliquaries so that Catholic may venerate them.
- Church altars also sometimes have a relic embedded on the side of the altar or a designated place in the church.
photo: A Dominican Sister is showing the relics in the chapel at St. Catherine Convent.
2) There are three classes of relics
- FIRST CLASS: A part of a saint's body such as a bone fragment, piece of skin, or hair.
- SECOND CLASS: A piece of a saint's clothing or something used by a saint.
- THIRD CLASS: An object which has been touched to a first or second class relic, including the tomb of a saint.
3) Why do we need relics?
- Relics are tangible reminders to us of the incarnational nature of our faith. Remember, the Word of God became flesh, and through the centuries countless saints have embodied what is means to live our faith.
- Relics also remind us that the saints are close to God and can intercede for us when we pray to them.
Saint pope John Paul II with St. Maria Goretti's relic. Photo: internet
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