A relic is something from the life of a saint or holy person. Usually, for something be considered a first-class relic, it has to be part of the body of saint (e.g. a bone).
In the case of Our Lord Jesus Christ, however, anything directly associated with the events of his life is classified as the highest rank.
[See also: 5 Extraordinary Eucharistic Miracles that Left Physical Evidence (With Pictures!)]
[See also: The Largest Collection of Relics Outside the Vatican Is In… Pittsburgh, PA?]
Now, we can’t be absolutely sure of the authenticity of all of these relics. Some might not be what they claim to be.
But some might be real!
Here are 11 amazing objects claimed to be relics from the life of Our Lord. You can click on any image to view it full size.
Enjoy!
1) Fragments of the True Cross
There are lots of fragments of the True Cross in various churches around the world. The fragments in the picture above are in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna, Austria.
2) The Holy Nails
This claims to be one of the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus (look near the top), kept at the Bamberg Cathedral in Bamberg, Germany.
3) The Holy Chalice
This chalice is believed to be the one used by Christ at the Last Supper to institute the Eucharist. It is kept at Valencia Cathedral in Valencia, Spain.
4) The Seamless Robe
This is claimed to be the seamless robe of Christ that the Roman soldiers gambled off during his crucifixion. It is kept at the Cathedral of Trier in Trier, Germany.
5) The Holy Lance
Christ was pieced with a lance when he was on the cross. This is kept in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna, Austria.
6) The Gifts of the Magi
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, of course. It is kept at St. Paul’s Monastery on Mount Athos in Greece.
7) The Crown of Thorns
Jesus wore this during his passion and crucifixion. This is kept at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.
8) The Pillar of the Flogging
This is where Jesus was tied while he was flogged during his passion. It is kept at the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, Italy.
9) A Vial of the Holy Blood of Jesus
This is kept at Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Belgium.
10) The Titulus Crucis
This is claimed to be the sign that hung above Jesus on the cross saying that he was “king of the Jews.” It is kept at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem in Rome, Italy.
And of course…
11) The Shroud of Turin
The shroud of Turin is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus. It is kept in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.
[See also: What Convinced This Secular Scientist the Shroud of Turin is Real]
[See also: This Beautiful Roman Church Holds the Hearts of 25 Popes – Literally]