Some translation of Latin Relic Terms - EXPOSITION OF RELICS

TRANSLATION OF LATIN TERMS in RELICS

(this would be an ongoing list of translation for latin terms found in certificates of authenticity of relics under our ministry / custody)

Before we post to you the update on the OPENING OF THE PUBLIC EXPOSITION OF RELICS @ the NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART in MAKATI,

I would like to post a translation of some of the different latin terms found in the thecas or labels of the relics of our beloved saints and blessed.

FIRST CLASS RELICS

Ex Lignum Crucis D.N.J.C. / S.S. Crucis D.N.J.C.

- from the Wood of the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ /
Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

FIRST CLASS RELICS FROM SAINTS

ex ossibus - from the bone

ex carne - from the flesh ex corpore - from the body
ex cineribus - from the ashes

ex capillis - from the hairex cute - from the skin ex tela imbuta sanguinis - from the cloth imbued with the blood
ex tela imbuta sanguine et humoris - from the cloth imbued with the blood and fluids ex panno a stigmatibus cruentato - from the bandage that covered the stigmatic wound

ex indumentis - from the clothing. Sometimes refers to pieces of cloth that have touched a 1st or 2nd class relic. ex arca sepulerali - from the wood of the coffin
ex capsa sepuchrali - from the tomb

Just as Catholics do not worship saints but rather venerate them as role models and ask them to offer prayers to God, relics are not worshiped or believed to hold any special powers.

They serve as reminders of the lives of the saints and their sacrifices for Christianity.

Objects believed to have been used during a saint’s lifetime or that touched their material remains also qualify as relics, but bones and flesh are considered the most sacred.