Michael Brooks
The presence of relics in Catholic altars is a centuries-old tradition. The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 decreed that every altar should contain a relic, and this remains the norm in Catholic and Orthodox churches today. The relics are typically those of saints, especially martyrs, and are placed beneath the altar or built into the altar table itself. The practice symbolises the veneration of holy persons and their intercession for those on earth. While the inclusion of relics in altars is still encouraged, it is no longer a requirement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement of relics | Relics are placed beneath the altar or built into the altar itself |
| Authenticity | Care should be taken to ensure the authenticity of relics |
| Purpose | The relics of saints, especially martyrs, are venerated and remind the faithful of their eternal destiny |
| History | The tradition of placing relics in altars dates back to the earliest days of the Church, when Mass was celebrated on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs |
| Norms and requirements | While the practice of placing relics in altars is encouraged, it is no longer a requirement |
| Display | Relics should not be placed on top of the altar for public veneration, as this is reserved for the display of the Blessed Sacrament |
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What You'll Learn
- The Second Council of Nicaea decreed that every Catholic altar should contain a relic
- The relics are typically placed beneath the altar table
- Churches were often built over the remains of martyrs
- Relics are usually parts of saints' bodies or items they owned
- Relics are not exposed on the altar during Mass
The Second Council of Nicaea decreed that every Catholic altar should contain a relic
The Second Council of Nicaea, held in 787 AD, is recognized as the last of the first seven ecumenical councils by the Catholic Church. The council decreed that every Catholic altar should contain a relic, making it clear that this was already the norm, as it remains to the present day. This decree was an attempt to resolve the Iconoclastic Controversy, initiated in 726 when Byzantine Emperor Leo III issued a decree against the worship of icons (religious images of Christ and the saints).
The council's decree drew on the teaching of St. John Damascene that homage or respect is not paid to an inanimate object, but to the holy person, and the veneration of a holy person is itself honour paid to God. The honorary veneration of icons was thus permitted, and the true adoration was reserved for God alone. This decree was also in line with the ancient tradition of showing reverence for the sacrifice of martyrs.
Relics are physical remains or objects that are associated with saints or other holy figures. They are considered sacred in the Catholic Church and are believed to possess spiritual power. The practice of placing relics under altars is an ancient tradition that finds its roots in the early days of the Church. When Catholicism was illegal under the Roman Empire, early members of the faithful would meet in underground catacombs to celebrate Mass on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs.
The Second Council of Nicaea's decree that every altar should contain a relic became ecclesiastical law. This law was affirmed and simplified by the Second Vatican Council, which stated that the practice of placing relics of saints, even those who are not martyrs, under the altar is fittingly retained.
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The relics are typically placed beneath the altar table
The Catholic Church has a long tradition of placing relics of saints beneath altars. This practice is rooted in the earliest days of the Church, when early members of the Faith would meet in underground catacombs to celebrate Mass on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs. This tradition continued even after Christianity was legalised, with churches often being built over the remains of martyrs.
The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 decreed that every altar should contain a relic, formalising a practice that was already commonplace. The relics are typically placed beneath the altar table, with the greatest care taken to ensure their authenticity. In some cases, the relics are built into the altar table itself and sealed with a special wax mixture. This practice is still encouraged by the Church, but it is no longer a requirement.
The veneration of relics reflects the belief that saints in heaven intercede for those on Earth, and many tales of miracles and marvels have been attributed to relics throughout the centuries. When a priest kisses the altar during Mass, he shows reverence not only for Jesus Christ but also for the sacrifice of martyrs, whose relics lie beneath the altar.
The presence of relics under the altar is also supported by Scripture, specifically Revelation 6:9, which mentions "the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne" being under the altar in heaven. This interpretation has been used to justify the inclusion of relics in Catholic altars, though it is important to note that the relics themselves are not worshipped, but rather the saint or martyr they represent.
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Churches were often built over the remains of martyrs
In Catholic theology, relics are objects or articles of religious significance from the past. They usually consist of the physical remains or personal effects of a saint or other revered figures, preserved to be venerated as a tangible memorial. Relics are an important aspect of several religions, including some sects of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and shamanism.
In Christianity, relics are often the physical remains of martyrs, or items directly associated with the events of Christ's life, such as the True Cross. The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 decreed that every altar should contain a relic, formalizing a practice that was already commonplace. The presence of relics in altars serves as a reminder of the sacrifice of martyrs and saints, and their intercession for those on Earth.
The practice of venerating relics has its roots in the earliest days of the Church. When Catholicism was illegal under the Roman Empire, early Christians would meet in underground catacombs to celebrate Mass, often on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs. This was done to show reverence for the sacrifice these martyrs made for Christ. After Christianity was legalized by Emperor Constantine, the tradition of venerating relics persisted, and churches were often built over the remains of martyrs.
The architectural form of a church built over the tomb of a martyr is known as a martyrium (Latin) or martyrion (Greek). These structures are typically built on a central plan, featuring a circular, octagonal, or cruciform shape. Martyria became common after the early 4th century when religious tolerance for Christianity was established in the Roman Empire.
The presence of relics in churches and altars is thus a long-standing tradition in Catholicism, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by martyrs and saints, and their intercession for those on Earth.
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Relics are usually parts of saints' bodies or items they owned
Relics are objects of religious significance from the past. They are usually parts of saints' bodies or items they owned. Relics are an important aspect of several religions, including some forms of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, shamanism, and many others.
In Christianity, relics are parts of the physical remains or personal effects of a saint or other religious figure. They are preserved and venerated as a tangible memorial. The veneration of relics is a way to show respect and honour to the saint and, by extension, to God. The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 decreed that every altar should contain a relic, and this remains the norm in Catholic and Orthodox churches today.
There are three main classifications of relics in Christianity: first-class relics, second-class relics, and third-class relics. First-class relics are body parts of saints, such as bones, blood, or flesh. Second-class relics are items that a saint owned or frequently used, such as a crucifix, rosary, or book. Third-class relics are any objects that have been in contact with first- or second-class relics.
The use of relics in Christianity dates back to the early days of the Church. When Catholicism was illegal under the Roman Empire, early Christians would meet in underground catacombs and celebrate Mass on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs. Even after Christianity was legalized, the tradition of venerating relics continued, with churches often being built over the remains of martyrs or containing relics within their altars.
Relics are believed to bring blessings and protection and are sometimes associated with miraculous healings and cures. However, Catholic teaching prohibits the division of relics into small, unrecognizable parts if they are to be used in liturgy on the altar. The authenticity of relics is also important, and the Church began to regulate their use, requiring authentication for public veneration.
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Relics are not exposed on the altar during Mass
The Catholic Church has a long tradition of placing relics of saints under or within altars. This practice is said to have originated in the early days of the Church, when members would meet in underground catacombs to celebrate Mass on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs. This tradition continued even after Christianity was legalised, with churches often being built over the remains of martyrs.
However, it is important to note that relics are not exposed on the altar during Mass. While relics may be present within the altar itself, they are not meant to be displayed or venerated during the Eucharistic celebration. The altar is reserved for the Body and Blood of Christ during the Mass, and the relics remain hidden beneath or within the altar structure.
The Roman Pontifical's "Order of Dedication of a Church and an Altar" and the Directory for Popular Piety both indicate that relics should not be exposed on the altar during Mass. The former specifically refers to long-term or permanent exposition, while the latter states that relics should not be placed on the mensa (the table or top surface) of the altar.
The placement of relics beneath or within altars is a symbolic act. It signifies the communion with the Sacrifice of Christ and the fidelity of the Church. The relics are not meant to be the focus of veneration during Mass but rather serve as a reminder of the sacrifice and communion with the saints.
While relics are not exposed on the altar during Mass, they may be present in other areas of the church. In some cases, reliquaries containing relics may be placed near the altar or in other prominent locations within the church, allowing for their veneration outside of the Mass.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, every consecrated Catholic altar contains relics of saints. This tradition dates back to the early days of the Church when Mass was celebrated on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs.
The veneration of relics reflects the belief that saints in heaven intercede for those on Earth. Relics are also seen as a reminder of the sacrifice of martyrs, mirroring Christ's sacrifice for salvation.
First-class relics are body parts of saints, such as bones. Second-class relics are items owned or frequently used by saints, like a crucifix or a rosary, or a piece of clothing. Third-class relics are objects that have been in contact with first or second-class relics, often pieces of cloth or oil.
While it is a common tradition, it is not a requirement for every Catholic altar to contain a relic. Relics are typically placed beneath the altar table, but they may also be displayed or exposed during certain feast days or celebrations.
The Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of authenticating relics. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that care should be taken to ensure the authenticity of relics before they are placed beneath an altar.
