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What are relics and why do Catholics venerate them?
What Is a Relic?
Relics are classified as first, second, or third class. A first class relic is part of a saint’s body (e.g., bone, blood, flesh). Second class relics are possessions that a saint owned such as clothing or something used by a saint. Third class relics are objects that have been touched to a first, second, or another third class relic of a saint.
Why Venerate Relics?
There are many healing examples after exposure to relics. from Sacred Scripture to online references. The healing is from God; relics are the means through which he acts. Any good that comes about through a relic is God’s doing. By venerating or honoring the saints whom God has worked through in an extraordinary way, we adore and glorify God who worked so beautifully in their lives. Our veneration of relics also reminds us that we are part of the Communion of Saints, the great cloud of witnesses who have run the race before us (Heb. 12:1).
Listen to Practicing Catholic for More on Relics
