A journey of faith and history
Relics
Unveiling the World of Relics
“People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed”
MATTHEW 14:36
Today, relics mean different things to different people. At their heart, they are a way of connecting with past generations who are no longer with us. Many of us retain objects that link us to the past in this way.
“My Dad died when I was young and I have his cufflinks because every time I pick them up and hold them I am taken back to when I was younger helping him fix his cufflinks on his shirt before he went out for the night. Through them I still feel connected to him.”
The term “relic” holds a specific meaning when considering the history of the Christian religion. The modern English word originates in the Greek and Latin used across the later Roman world. From the Near East to Britain, early Christians used the Greek word leipsana or the Latin reliquiae to refer to the remains of holy men and women: saints.
Most relics relate to the bodies of the saints or objects associated with them during their lives. Throughout the history of Christianity, religious relics—just like family keepsakes and souvenirs—created a tangible, physical connection with the past. The word often used in the Middle Ages for a shrine containing relics was memoria—a memory.
In the early Church, relics were not intended to be worshipped by Christians; they were to be honoured and venerated. The idea was summed up by St Jerome in the early 5th century, and often echoed.
A first class relic of
Mary Magdalene
“We, it is true, refuse to worship or adore, I say not the relics of the martyrs, but even the sun and moon, the angels and archangels … For we may not serve the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Still we honour the relics of the martyrs, that we may adore Him whose martyrs they are.”—Jerome, Letter to Riparius (404)
What are Catholic Relics?
At the heart of Catholic relic veneration lies the belief that these objects are imbued with a sacred and mystical power. Catholic relics are divided into three distinct classes, each with its unique association with the saints:
FIRST-CLASS RELICS: These are physical parts of a saint’s body, such as bone fragments or strands of hair. They represent an intimate connection to the saint’s life and sacrifice.
SECOND-CLASS RELICS: Comprising items used by the saint during their lifetime, like clothing or personal possessions, second-class relics offer a glimpse into the saint’s journey of faith.
THIRD-CLASS RELICS: These are objects that have come into contact with a first-class relic or the tomb of a saint, serving as a link to the saint’s intercession and spiritual influence.
The History of Relics
While there’s no consensus on when relic veneration began, evidence is found in the Old Testament of veneration of sacred objects such as the Ark of the Covenant, and the bones of Joseph. Reference to an early form of relic can be found in the New Testament, when a women was healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:27-29). Matthew’s gospel recounts the sick being healed, having touched the tassel of Jesus’ cloak. (Matthew 14:36)
A little later in the year 156 A.D. was the death of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (modern Turkey). He incurred the wrath of the Romans by praying to Jesus instead of the Roman gods, and he was burned. Afterwards, Polycarp’s followers gathered his remains and circulated them as sacred objects. With that, the modern notion of relics was born.
Veneration of relics is shown outwardly by respectfully bowing or making the sign of the cross before the relic.
“If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
MARK 5:27-29
Relics from the Cathedral Collection...
Saint Philip the Apostle
Philip was one of Christ’s original twelve apostles, and was present at key biblical events including the feeding of the 5000. Following the events of Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14), there is little concrete knowledge of his activities. It is probable that he preached in...
Pope Saint Pius X
Born Joseph Sarto (1835-1914), and from a very poor family, St Pius X was pope from 4 August 1903 to 20 August 1914. He is best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children. Interested in politics, Pope Pius...
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74) joined one of the most influential new orders founded in the 13th century, St Dominic’s Order of Preachers. Thomas spent his career at the University of Paris and teaching in Dominican convents in Italy. He was particularly engaged with the...
Saint George
It is generally accepted that George was a martyr killed during an early 4th-century period of persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian (284-305). George’s cult underwent notable transformations. In the east, he was considered a patron of armies, which drew him...
Saints and Martyrs
Relics of St Polycarp of Smyrna; St Thomas of Canterbury; St Ignatius of Antioch; St Boniface; St Agnes; St Agatha; [St] Catherine of Alexandria; St Pope Clement I The belief that the power inherent in any relic was not diminished by division meant that relics...
Saint Paschal Baylon
St. Pascal Baylon, born in 1540 in Spain, was a devout Franciscan lay brother known for his unwavering faith and deep devotion to the Eucharist during the 16th century. He lived a humble life as a shepherd and later joined the Franciscan Order. St. Pascal's profound...
Saint Benedict
Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-550) played a key role in the development of western Christianity. He wrote what became known as the Benedictine Rule, a foundation stone for the monastic life. Originally a hermit at Subiaco in Italy, he later established a community of...
St Francis of Assisi
This reliquary contains fibres from the bag of the 13th-century saint, Francis of Assisi. The fibres are an example of the importance attached to items that came into contact with saints—they could serve the same purpose as bodily relics.Francis was the most...
Relic of the True Cross
Cyril of Jerusalem, writing in 346, notes that “the saving wood of the Cross was found at Jerusalem”, referring to its discovery a decade earlier by Helena, mother of the first Christian Roman emperor. Veneration of the Cross is known from the end of the 4th century....
Saint Mary Magdelene
Mary Magdalene is a key biblical figure, often considered the apostle to the apostles. In the Middle Ages, her identity was confused with both Mary, sister of Martha of Bethany and the unnamed sinner—interpreted to be a prostitute from the 6th century—who washed and...
Saint Gemma Galgani
St. Gemma Galgani, also known as the Flower of Lucca (the Italian town in which she was born), was an Italian mystic often referred to as the “Daughter of Passion,” for her replication of the Passion of Christ. She was born in 1875, and was a quiet, reserved child....
Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony was born Fernando Martins in Lisbon, Portugal. Born into a wealthy family, by the age of fifteen he asked to be sent to the Abbey of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, Portugal where he learned theology and Latin. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he was...
Saint Patrick
St Patrick was a missionary and bishop who played a pivotal role in bringing Christianity to Ireland. Born in the late 4th century, most likely in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped by raiders at 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his captivity, he deepened his...
Saint Rita of Cascia
St Rita (c. 1377-1447), from a devout Italian family, was known for her piety from a young age. Following a difficult marriage, she became an Augustinian nun after the death of her husband. She was known for her deep faith, stigmata (manifestation of the wounds of...
Saint Benedict Joseph Labre
St Benedict Joseph Labre was truly an eccentric. Born in France, the eldest of 18 children, he hoped to become a priest. But poor health and a lack of academic prowess meant he was unsuccessful in his attempts to enter the religious life. At age 16, a profound change...
Saint John (Don) Bosco
St John Bosco (1815-88), also known as Don Bosco, was an Italian priest and educator in the 19th century. He founded the Salesian Society, dedicated to educating and supporting disadvantaged youth and offering education and vocational training to young people in need....
Saint Laurence of Brindisi
St Laurence of Brindisi (1559-1619), born Giulio Cesare Russo, was a prominent Capuchin friar, theologian, diplomat, and preacher who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The Capuchins—whose distinctive habit later lent its name to a modern...
Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
Born Francesco Possenti, in Italy into a large family, Saint Gabriel lost his mother when he was only four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and, having been cured twice of serious illnesses, came to believe that God was calling him to the religious life. He...