Why a Reliquary Is Important to the Catholic Church (and What It Represents)

Posted by The DiCoco Family on 7th Jan 2026

In the Catholic tradition, reliquaries are sacred objects that hold and protect relics — physical items connected to saints and holy people who have lived lives of heroic faith. A reliquary is more than a decorative container: it is a visible sign of the communion of saints, a reminder of holiness, and a devotional tool that helps the faithful draw closer to Christ through the example of those who have gone before us.

What Is a Relic and Why It Matters

A relic is usually the physical remains or personal effects of a saint or blessed individual. These sacred objects might include fragments of bone, clothing, or items touched by the saint. Relics are classified into different categories — typically first, second, and third class — based on their relation to the saint.

The Catholic Church venerates relics not because of any power inherent in the object itself, but because they represent the life of someone who lived in deep conformity with Christ. Relics help us remember that holiness is attainable, and they provide a tangible connection to those who teach us how to follow Jesus in our own lives.

Why Reliquaries Are Important to Worship

A reliquary serves a special purpose. It:

  • Protects sacred relics with reverence and safety

  • Displays them appropriately for veneration in chapels, shrines, or parish spaces

  • Illustrates the Church’s continuity across centuries of sanctity

  • Fosters devotion among the faithful through physical reminders of holy lives

Throughout the history of the Church, reliquaries have reflected the reverence owed to holy men and women. Their design and craftsmanship often mirror the dignity of the relics they contain.

In fact, the placement of relics in or near altars dates back to the early Church, where martyrs’ remains were honored and celebrated during the liturgy. Today relics continue to hold a place of respect and spiritual significance in Catholic worship.

Explore Catholic Reliquaries at St. Jude Shop

At St. Jude Shop, we offer a selection of beautiful reliquaries that help parishes, worship spaces, and devotional areas honor relics with dignity and reverence.

Here are a few featured items from our Church Supplies → Reliquaries category:

Reliquaries serve as focal points for prayer and reflection. They remind us of the communion of saints and the call to holiness that unites all believers — in heaven, on earth, and in the life to come

The Spiritual Value of Venerating Relics

When Catholics venerate relics, they honor the person behind the object and draw inspiration from that saint’s witness to Christ. This devotion is rooted not in superstition, but in the belief that the faithful are united with the saints in the Body of Christ — and that their intercession and example help us walk more faithfully with Jesus.

A reliquary, therefore, is much more than a container — it is a sacred sign that points us toward a deeper life of prayer, thanksgiving, and communion with God.

Shop Beautiful, Meaningful Reliquaries With St. Jude Shop

At St. Jude Shop, we recognize the profound significance and reverence attached to reliquaries within the Catholic Church. Our dedication to providing

 high-quality religious goods ensures that you can find reliquaries crafted with care and precision. We have a wide selection of reliquaries, ranging from traditional designs to contemporary styles, allowing you to 

find the perfect vessel to honor the saints in your community.

Trust us to provide you with the religious goods you need to nurture a deep and meaningful spiritual experience for your congregation!

Shop Our Reliquaries

Originally published: 2024-02-13

Updated January 2026-01-07

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