Types of RelicsIt’s important to know the meaning of the Latin designations of labels before you report an item to eBay. You might find them within the description, or in the photos of the relics or documents.
Some sellers are getting crafty and obscuring the designation to avoid getting caught.
A first class relic is a part of the body of the Saint. All instruments of the Passion are considered First Class Relics.
A second class relic is a piece of clothing or other object – like a watch or a blanket – used by the Saint.
A third class relic is a bit of cloth that came into direct contact with a first or second class relic.
Everything else is properly classified as a relic memento.
Latin Designations for Relics
Those with a are reportable.
Cravio, corporis – body
Ex capillus – from the hair
Ex carne – from the flesh
Ex cineribus – from the ashes
Ex ligneo pulvere, Mixto pulveri corporis, Quem residuum continebat prima capsa funeralis – from the remains of the wood, mixed with the dust of the body, the residue of which was contained in the first box, [or sarcophagus]
Ex ossibus – from the bones
Ex praecordis – from the stomach or intestines
Ex pelle – from the skin.
Coronse spinse D.N.J.C. – Crown of Thorns of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Other Designations
De velo – from the veil
Domini Nostri Jesu Christi, D.N.J.C. – Our Lord Jesus Christ
Domo – house
Ex bireto – from the biretta
Ex inducio – from covering
Ex indulmentis – from the clothing
Ex praesepis – birthplace of D.N.J.C.
Ex pluviali – cope
Ex Sindone – from the shroud
Ex sportula – from the little basket
Ex stipite affixionis – from the whipping post
Ex strato – from the covering [ blanket ]
Ex subicula – from the yoke – amice,stole
Ex tela serica quae tetigit cor – from the silk cloth which touched the heart
Ex tunica – from the tunic
The Sale of “Relics”
What’s OK – From time to time you’ll come across holy cards and medals that are described as “relics” — they are not.
They are more appropriately termed mementos. These generally contain little bits of cloth that may or may not have been touched to a third class relic — which is, in itself, something that has been touched to a first or second class relic.
These objects find use in promoting devotions to a particular Saint when a member of the faithful is seeking intercessory prayer.
A great many older objects of this sort were actually distributed by the religious communities that the individuals belonged to. These are permitted for sale.
Among modern objects of this type, most are manufactured in China and imported by the bigger religious goods houses, like Autom. Many are imprinted with the term Ex Indulmentis. We seriously doubt that they have any notion of what the phrase means, much less that they have the capacity to legitimately manufacture them.
Example of Made in China “relics” offered by Autom.
“Relic” Holy Medals and Cards
This is medal was listed as a relic of Saint Michael. The medal itself is stamped Ex Indulmentis, which indicates that it is a piece of the Saint’s garment. This is, of course, ridiculous as St. Michael is a pure spirit and did not leave behind any garments.
Not even a feather.
One of the more commonly found holy medals marked Ex Indulmentis, this one is in honor of Saint Benedict. Considering he died a few hundred years ago, this bit of cloth looks suspiciously fresh and modern.
This is not something to report.
Here is a nice prayer card in honor of Saint Joseph. We don’t really know if Saint Joseph left anything behind, but if he did, it certainly wasn’t the tiny bit of cloth that is laminated in this commercially produced holy card. Nonetheless, it promotes devotion to Saint Joseph and that in itself is worthwhile.
Below is an example of an older holy card with a bit of cloth that may actually be Ex Indulmentis. This is typical of the holy cards that were distributed by those who had an interest in promoting the cause of the servant of God.
Again, this is not something to report. There is a concern that the second card might fall into the wrong hands, but in all probability, it will go to someone with a devotion to the community or individual.
Ridiculous
This seller lists statues and objects such as this one which are readily available through the commercial vendor Autom.
Again, these are all items that are manufactured in China.
Not something to report, although if you are so inclined, you might want to contact the seller to tell her that this is just plain silly, not to mention dishonest.
But be nice about it.
To the left is what the seller claims in the ad:
Giving this individual the benefit of the doubt, we would like to think that they are well intentioned and are looking for a new way to promote devotions to the Cross and the Saints.
Tasteless, but not reportable. There are several eBay members who have created a variety of charm bracelets complete with an assortment of relic medals intermixed with other baubles. There are “Good Friday” charm bracelets and also “Juicy Ish Love of Jesus Charm Bracelet” – Juicy-Ish?
For the most part, we are sure that these people are well intentioned, and are perhaps looking for another means of promoting the faith. Well intentioned, but misguided.
