What Are Relics?
After the prophet Elisha died, he was buried in a
cave. Sometime later, the body of another dead man had to be cast into the same
cave hastily so those burying him could avoid a band of marauders. Then, ‘when
the man came in contact with the bones of Elisha, he came back to life and rose
to his feet’ (2 Kgs 13:20-21).
This story from
2 Kings provides a biblical example of a “relic,”
which is an object connected with our Lord or a saint. Throughout biblical
and Church history, relics have been
venerated and have often demonstrated a capacity to convey the power of God
through miracles, especially MIRACLES
OF HEALING.
The Church divides relics into three classes. A
first-class relic is a part of a saint’s body, as in the case of Elisha’s bones.
A second-class relic is something a saint used during his life on earth, such
as clothing. The Bible also records an instance of such a relic and its power:
Elijah’s mantle, which parted the Jordan River after the prophet had gone to
heaven: “Wielding the mantle which had fallen from Elijah, [Elisha] struck the
water.... When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over’ (2 Kgs
2:14).
Third-class relics are objects that have been touched
to a first-class relic. The Bible notes an example of this kind of relic, too,
and the miracles it may work: “So extraordinary were the mighty deeds God
accomplished at the hands of Paul that when face cloths or aprons that touched
his skin were applied to the sick, their DISEASES LEFT THEM AND THE EVIL SPIRITS CAME OUT OF THEM”
(Acts 19:11.1 2).
We must keep in mind that the miraculous power
conveyed through relics is not some kind of magic. It is simply God’s power
acting through material means, analogous to the way he acts through the matter
of sacraments and sacramentals - or, for that matter, the way he sometimes
works miracles through the touch of a saint’s hands long before the saint’s
death (see “Why Are Sacraments Necessary?” P.1468).
Why would a
saint’s relics be venerated? We might just as well ask why a woman would carry
a lock of her beloved’s hair in a locket around her neck. The affection and
honor shown a relic overflow from the affection and honor shown to the saints
themselves, who are dear to us as exemplars of God’s grace, love, and holiness.
RELATED SCRIPTURE - Texts
cited: 2 Kgs 2:14; 13:20-21 • Acts 19:11-12.
General: Ps 91:15; 112:1-9 • Mt 10:8 • Mk 16:17-18 • Acts 2:43; 3:1-13;
5:12-16; 8:1-8; 9:32-42; 14:3, 8-15; 16:18; 20:9-11; 28:8-10 • 1 Cor 12:28.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - 828 • 1674.
General: Ps 91:15; 112:1-9 • Mt 10:8 • Mk 16:17-18 • Acts 2:43; 3:1-13;
5:12-16; 8:1-8; 9:32-42; 14:3, 8-15; 16:18; 20:9-11; 28:8-10 • 1 Cor 12:28.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - 828 • 1674.
NIHIL OBSTAT: DOUGLAS K. CLARK, S.T.L. Censor Librorum
IMPRIMATUR: +J. KEVIN BOLAND, D.D. Bishop
of Savannah, January 15, 2005
CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE
DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS: DIRECTORY
ON POPULAR PIETY AND THE LITURGY PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES, Vatican City December 2001
The Relics of the Saints
236. The Second Vatican Council recalls that
"the Saints have been traditionally honoured in the Church, and their
authentic relics and images held in veneration"(323). The term
"relics of the Saints" principally signifies the bodies - or notable
parts of the bodies - of the Saints who, as distinguished members of Christ's mystical
Body and as Temples of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor 3, 16; 6, 19; 2 Cor 6,
16)(324) in virtue of their heroic sanctity, now dwell in Heaven, but who once
lived on earth. Objects which belonged to the Saints, such as personal objects,
clothes and manuscripts are also considered relics, as are objects which have
touched their bodies or tombs such as oils, cloths, and images.
237. The Missale Romanum reaffirms
the validity "of placing the relics of the Saints under an altar that is
to be dedicated, even when not those of the martyrs"(325). This usage
signifies that the sacrifice of the members has its origin in the Sacrifice of
the altar(326), as well as symbolising the communion with the Sacrifice of
Christ of the entire Church, which is called to witness, event to the point of
death, fidelity to her Lord and Spouse.
Many
popular usages have been associated with this eminently liturgical cultic
expression. The faithful deeply revere the relics of the Saints. An adequate
pastoral instruction of the faithful about the use of relics will not overlook:
- ensuring
the authenticity of the relics exposed for the veneration of the faithful;
where doubtful relics have been exposed for the veneration of the
faithful, they should be discreetly withdrawn with due pastoral
prudence(327);
- preventing
undue dispersal of relics into small pieces, since such practice is not
consonant with due respect for the human body; the liturgical norms
stipulate that relics must be "of a sufficient size as make clear
that they are parts of the human body"(328);
- admonishing
the faithful to resist the temptation to form collections of relics; in
the past this practise has had some deplorable consequences;
- preventing
any possibility of fraud, trafficking(329), or superstition.
The
various forms of popular veneration of the relics of the Saints, such as
kissing, decorations with lights and flowers, bearing them in processions, in
no way exclude the possibility of taking the relics of the Saints to the sick
and dying, to comfort them or use the intercession of the Saint to ask for
healing. Such should be conducted with great dignity and be motivated by faith.
The relics of the Saints should not be exposed on the mensa of the altar, since
this is reserved for the Body and Blood of the King of Martyrs(330).
The word relic comes from the
reliquiae, meaning “remains.”
A reliquary is a shrine that
houses one or more relics.
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| Holy Relics of Sts. Franciso and Jacinta with Vice-Postulator's Certificate installed at St Joseph's Cathedral, Raiganj Diocese West Bengal |
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| Relic is in the center: piece of wood of the 2 Saints Francisco and Jacinta's coffin. This picture is from UK one, but similar to what is in Karjat Fatima Shrine and Raiganj Ctahedral |
