01 Relics: Remnants of the Saints
Relics, from the Latin word for “left behind,” [1] are the physical remains of a holy figure. These objects could fall into three categories:
First Class - relics of Christ (such as the Cross) and bodily remains (usually bones, but hair, blood, and breast milk were also venerated and preserved)
Second Class - objects in direct contact with the holy figure (articles of clothing, possessions)
Third Class - objects touched by a First or Second Class relic (typically cloth that has been in contact with the shrine of a saint) [2]
Relics were meant to be interacted with. Priests used relics to bless worshippers at service [3]; they could be held, kissed, even ingested. In early Byzantine, sarcophagi reliquaries (such as the one pictured to the left) allowed worshippers to pour oil through an opening where it would absorb the power of the relic inside and be collected through a second opening. The oil could then be drunk or spread on ailing limbs. [4]
The act of worshipping relics managed to escape the accusation of idolatry by specifying its type of worship as dulia. [5] Reverence followed two paths: latria, adoration for God alone, [6] and dulia, honor paid to saints, which was an indirect honor paid to God. [7] Influential 5th century theologian, Augustine of Hippo, justified the use of relics as such: “for even now, miracles are wrought in the name of Christ… by the prayers or relics of His saints; but they are not so brilliant and conspicuous as to cause them to be published with such glory as accompanied the former miracles.” [8]
1. Bagnoli, Martina, and Holger A. Klein. Page 5.
2. Catholic Education Resource Center. <www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/church-teaching-on-relics.html>.
3. Hahn, Cynthia. Page 22.
4. Bagnoli, Martina, and Holger A. Klein. Pages 9-10.
5. Sheingorn, Pamela. Page 3.
6. Sullivan, William L. <www.newadvent.org/cathen/01151a.htm>.
7. Cabrol, Fernand. <www.newadvent.org/cathen/15710a.htm>.
8. Translation by Marcus Dods. <www.newadvent.org/fathers/120122.htm>.