In Catholic practice, a saint’s bodily remains are called relics. They are venerated as reminders of the saint’s holy life and of the Christian hope of resurrection—not treated as objects with automatic or magical powers. Catholics may pray in their presence and ask the saint to intercede, including for comfort or healing.
Why do Catholics venerate bodily relics?
The Vatican says saints’ bodies are honored because they were, during life, “the living temple of the Holy Spirit” and an instrument of holiness. Their bodies are also understood in light of the Christian belief in resurrection. The Church’s 2017 instruction explains this rationale in “Relics in the Church: Authenticity and Conservation”.
Veneration means showing religious honor; it is not worship of human remains. Catholic canon law says the Church promotes the veneration of saints because their example can instruct the faithful and their intercession can sustain them (Code of Canon Law, Canons 1186–1190).
What are the different kinds of relics?
Catholic sources use “relic” for several kinds of objects, but not every object associated with a saint has the same canonical status.
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| Kind | What it means | How it is treated |
|---|---|---|
| Whole body, notable body part, or cremation ashes | Remains considered significant under the Vatican’s 2017 instruction. | A relic displayed for veneration must have proper ecclesiastical certification and oversight. |
| Small body fragment | A bodily relic the instruction classifies as non-significant. | The category concerns canonical treatment and custody; it does not mean the fragment has less or more spiritual power. |
| Object associated with the saint | May include personal belongings, clothing, manuscripts, or an object that touched the saint’s body or tomb. | The Church’s Directory on Popular Piety describes these as relic-related objects; their status and handling depend on what they are. |
The categories and certification requirements come from the Vatican’s 2017 instruction; the broader description of associated objects appears in the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, paragraphs 236–239.
How are relics used in devotion?
People may pray before relics, kiss them, or encounter them in processions. The Directory also describes bringing relics to the sick or dying to comfort them and to ask the saint’s intercession for healing. These are devotional practices: they express prayer and faith, not a promise that a relic will produce a cure.
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Relics may also be placed beneath a church altar. The Directory explains this as a sign of the communion of the Church and of the faithful’s offering being rooted in Christ’s sacrifice. It says relics should not be exposed on the altar table itself. These practices are to be carried out with dignity and motivated by faith.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the Church address authenticity and handling?
Before relics are displayed for veneration, the 2017 instruction requires a proper ecclesiastical certificate. It also outlines Church oversight of examination, preservation, and the transfer or pilgrimage of relics. The rules are intended to protect their authenticity and respectful treatment.
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