What are some examples of a relic?

Answer 1

There are three classifications of relics:

First class relic - the actual body or small body parts from the saint or from the instruments of Our Lord's passion and death.

Second class relic - and item owned by, or used by, the saint during life. Examples would be a book, rosary, clothing, etc.

Third class relic - an article, usually a small piece of cloth, that has been touched to a first (or some say, also a second class) relic.

In Europe many churches have major relics of the saints. An example would be the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette of Lourdes in Nevers, France. The more commonly available and seen relics are tiny fragments of the saint's body or possessions that are mounted in a locket-like container called a theca. The relic is sealed in the theca with sealing wax that bears the impression of the Church official who prepared the relic. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity attesting that the relic is genuine. The document also bears an identical seal and the signature of the Church authority.