What Is a Relic?
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, a relic is an item associated with Christ or a deceased saint that can be memorialized. These objects are typically body parts or pieces of clothing.
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Religion
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While associated with Catholicism, relics are traditions of other religions, both Christian and non-Christian. For example, ancient Athenians venerated the purported remains of Oedipus and Theseus.
Examples
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Famous relics include the body of Saint Mark, around which the Venetians built the Basilica San Marco, and a Piece of the True Cross on which Christ was crucified, which is enshrined in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome.
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Status
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A relic confers status on the town or church that owns it, making it a travel destination that benefits the local economy. The Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which houses the relics of Saint James, is still a popular tourist attraction today.
Abuses
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Authentication for many relics is suspicious at best, and many have been faked and sold for large sums. An example are the Boards of Christ's Crib, which did not exist before the 11th century but contains eighth-century Greek writing documenting a business transaction.
Status
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According to Catholic Answers, the respect of relics is in keeping with present-day Catholic practice since relics "may be the occasion of God's miracles."
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