Relics have played a profound role in Roman Catholic spirituality and tradition for centuries. These sacred objects—often physical remains of saints or items closely associated with them—are venerated as tangible connections to the holy men and women of the Church. As such, ensuring the authenticity of relics is not only a matter of faith but also of respect for the Church’s patrimony and the devotion of the faithful.

With the spread of Christianity and the veneration of saints, relics became prized throughout the Christian world. Unfortunately, the popularity of relics also led to the proliferation of forgeries and dubious claims of authenticity. Today, the Church follows rigorous procedures to authenticate relics and ensure their proper veneration, especially when they are presented for public veneration.

This document will explain how to discern whether a Roman Catholic relic is genuine or counterfeit, as well as the necessary proofs and documentation required for the public veneration of relics.
 

To understand the process of authentication, it is necessary to know the three traditional classes of relics:

• First-class relics: These are items directly associated with the life of Christ (such as fragments of the True Cross) or the physical remains of saints (such as bones, hair, or blood).
• Second-class relics: These are items that a saint personally owned or used, such as clothing, books, or rosaries.
• Third-class relics: These are objects (usually small pieces of cloth) that have been touched to another relic. These can also be made by the faithful for their own personal use by touching a rosary or other holy object to another relic.

Historical Context and the Need for Authenticity

Throughout history, relics have been the focus of both devotion and controversy. The twelfth and thirteenth centuries, in particular, saw a surge in the collection and exchange of relics, which unfortunately led to the circulation of many spurious items. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) and later the reforms of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints addressed these concerns by implementing strict protocols for the authentication and veneration of relics.
 

The process of determining the authenticity of a relic is multifaceted, involving historical investigation, physical examination, and ecclesiastical documentation. Here are the principal steps and indicators:

1. Documentation and Certificates of Authenticity

The first and most important step in verifying a relic is examining its official authentication documents, known as authentics. These certificates are issued by competent ecclesiastical authorities such as bishops, postulators of causes for canonization, or the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

An authentic should include:

2. Examination of the Reliquary and Seals

Relics are generally housed in small reliquaries made of precious metals or other durable materials. Authentic first- and second-class relics are sealed in thecae (small metal cases) with threads and wax seals bearing the insignia of the Church official who authenticated them.

Things to check include:

If the seal is broken or missing, the authenticity is compromised, and the relic cannot be presented for public veneration until re-authenticated.

3. Historical Research

The provenance—the documented history of the relic—is crucial. Authentic relics often have a known chain of custody, tracing their journey from the original discovery to the present custodian. Examine any supporting documentation, such as letters, inventories, or records from religious institutions.

4. Ecclesiastical Approval

Only relics with proper Church recognition are suitable for public veneration. Local bishops, postulators, or authorized Church officials are the only legitimate authorities to authenticate relics. Relics acquired from unknown or dubious sources, or those lacking ecclesiastical documentation, should be regarded with skepticism.

5. Physical Examination and Scientific Analysis

In rare cases, scientific methods (such as radiocarbon dating, DNA analysis, or forensic study) may be employed, especially for extremely significant relics (such as the Shroud of Turin). However, for most relics, physical examination focuses on the congruence between the relic and its documentation.

What Proof Is Necessary for Public Veneration?

The Roman Catholic Church has consistently maintained that public veneration of relics must be safeguarded to avoid superstition and scandal. The following are the essential requirements for a relic to be exposed for public devotion:

1. Certificate of Authenticity

A valid, original certificate of authenticity (authenticum) is required. This certificate must match the relic in question and must bear the original signature and seal of the Church authority who issued it. Copies or forgeries are not acceptable.

2. Intact Seals and Reliquary

The physical seal on the reliquary must be intact and unbroken. If the seal is missing or tampered with, the relic loses its canonical status for public veneration until it is examined and resealed by an authorized Church official.

3. Ecclesiastical Oversight

The display of relics in churches or chapels for public veneration requires the permission of the diocesan bishop. The bishop may request to review the documentation and examine the relic before granting approval.

4. Canon Law Requirements

Canon Law (specifically canons 1190 and 1237 in the Code of Canon Law) prohibits the selling of sacred relics and establishes the procedures for their translation, veneration, and investigation. Violation of these canons may result in canonical penalties.

5. Liturgical Norms

Relics must be placed in a dignified location, usually in a chapel, altar, or shrine, and must not be used in a manner that detracts from their spiritual significance. The Church provides guidelines for the exposition of relics during liturgical celebrations, such as feast days or processions.

Common Signs of Fake or Dubious Relics

Given the historical proliferation of relics, some have unfortunately been fabricated or falsely attributed. Here are some common warning signs of fake relics:

• Lack of ecclesiastical documentation or certificate
• Broken, missing, or forged seals
• Relics sold openly, especially online or in secular markets
• Relics with implausible provenance or exaggerated claims (“nail from the Crucifixion”)
• Descriptions that contradict known Church records or hagiography

Obtaining and Requesting Relics

Faithful wishing to obtain relics for public devotion may request them from authorized Church offices, such as the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints or official postulators of a cause. These offices strictly control the distribution of relics and only provide them for legitimate spiritual purposes—never for commercial gain. Most requests are now required to have a bishop’s approval and must be meant for use in a church.

Conclusion

The veneration of relics is a sacred tradition that continues to inspire the faithful and connect them to the lives of the saints and the history of the Church. Authenticating relics protects this tradition, ensuring that devotion is grounded in truth and reverence. By following these guidelines: examining documentation, inspecting seals, verifying provenance, and maintaining ecclesiastical oversight—one can discern genuine relics from counterfeits and safeguard their rightful place in the Catholic Faith.

Ultimately, the Church demands rigorous proof before allowing relics to be presented for public veneration. Certificates of authenticity, intact seals, and proper ecclesiastical approval are not merely bureaucratic requirements—they are acts of stewardship and respect for the sacred. Through these means, the Church honors both the saints and the faith of those who seek their intercession.