What Is a Relic, and Why Do Catholics Venerate Them?

The Catholic Church defines a relic as the bodily remains of a saint or an object associated with a saint or Jesus. According to The Good Newsroom, these items serve as reminders of God's work and help keep the memory of those who established and enriched the Church alive for current believers.

Relics are categorized into different classes. First-class relics include the physical remains of a saint, which can range from a piece of bone to a single hair. The most significant first-class relics are those related to Christ, such as the Shroud of Turin or pieces of the True Cross. Second-class relics consist of inanimate objects that a saint owned or used frequently, such as clothing or books.