The term relic, derived from the Latin reliquiae, literally meaning “remains,” refers to bodily fragments or objects that have been in direct contact with the bodies of saints. In the Christian tradition, relics hold an essential place as tangible witnesses of holiness and of the closeness between the earthly world and the divine.
The heritage of relics in the Christian tradition
Originally, relics were preserved within church altars, bearing witness to their liturgical and spiritual importance. Their recognition and transmission were gradually structured within the life of the Church.
To understand the distinctions and categories recognized by ecclesiastical tradition, we invite you to consult the classification of Christian relics.
Reliquaries and forms of veneration
Over the centuries, a great diversity of reliquaries developed in order to honor and protect relics: shrines, custodes, coffers, statues, medallions, or rosaries. These forms respond to specific uses, whether liturgical, devotional, or domestic.
From the seventeenth century onward, certain relics also found a place within private homes, incorporated into domestic oratories. This presence in the household did not signify a trivialization of the sacred, but rather the desire to integrate spirituality into daily life.
Commerce, authenticity, and discernment
The spread of relics was accompanied by an intensification of the trade in relics, a phenomenon that led the Church to exercise careful oversight in order to preserve their authenticity and proper use.
These historical, spiritual, and theological aspects are developed more fully in our page devoted to the history and veneration of Christian relics
