RELICS

RELICS – The bodies of saints, or particles of their bodies, which the Church venerates, because of the position of the person in sanctity and virtue and because these may bring a person to the imitation of the saint. Relics are placed in the altar at the time of consecration, and parts of relics are sewn into the Antiminsion (Corporal). The primitive custom of offering the Holy Sacrifice over the tombs of the martyrs is thus perpetuated.