About Relics: The Basics
A relic is a physical item associated with Our Lord or His saints. Traditionally relics have been categorized into three classes: first, second, and third. There is, however, no fixed rubric within the Canon regarding the classes of relics and the definitions of each seem to vary depending on the source. Canon Law and the norms regarding relics issued by the Vatican tend to focus on the concession and handling of "sacred relics", most often referred to as first or second class relics.
First Class Relics (Sacred Relics)
These are relics associated with the life and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, such as the True Cross and Holy Shroud. They also include the physical remains of the saints such as bones, flesh, and hair.
Second Class Relics (Sacred Relics)
These are relics used or owned by the saint during their life or in death. They may include pieces of clothing and items such as their coffin/tomb used in their burial.
Third Class Relics (Touched Relics)
These are items that have been touched to a First or Second Class relic. They are often distributed to the faithful as tokens of devotion and connection to the saint.
