Reliquary Cross

Any repository or receptacle for a relic is called a 'reliquary', and therefore a cross that contains such relics is called a Reliquary Cross.

Reliquary Cross

Reliquary Cross (14cm x 8cm)
The pin at the top is unscrewed to enable the cross to swing open and reveal the relic inside
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Closer view of relic
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Fake relics can be bought for a few dollars at many emporiums, with a note that it has the power to perform miracles. The note will be either a subtle hint or an iron-clad guarantee, depending on the local laws regarding misrepresentation of goods.

A genuine Relic Cross is made from, or contains a fragment of, the True Cross. Obviously there are not many of those around.

A cross that contain relics is called a Reliquary Cross and these are more common than a Relic Cross, but still rare. They contain relics of deceased saints - a lock of hair for example, fragments of clothing or some other items that belonged to a saint. More common still are crosses containing items that were are some time touched by holy people, or just about anything tangible that has had deep religious significance. Several miracles have been attributed to these and so they are venerated, particularly by Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Christians.

The one shown on the left was given to a nun in the Vatican in the early part of the 20th century. The present owner, the great-great-nephew of the nun, has been told the fragment of red cloth inside the cross is from the pope's vestments.

An expert in Roman Catholic ecclesiastical matters, Sean Wright, advises that the pope's vestments are predominantly white, so this fragment might have been from the red fascia he wore during his days as a cardinal. Alternatively, it could be from the pope's red travelling cloak or from a part of the underside of one of the lappets which fall behind a mitre.

The Roman Catholic Church classifies relics as:

1st Class	Items directly associated with the events of Jesus Christ (the True Cross, for example), or the physical body part of a deceased martyr or saint (skull or other bone, tooth, hair, etc.)
2nd Class	Clothing worn by a saint or some other personal possession (cross, book, chair, etc.)
3rd Class	An item that has been touched to a 1st or 2nd Class relic

In churches and cathedrals, small relics are often housed in Reliquary Crosses and kept in a secure place, being brought out on special occasions only; for example as part of an exorcism rite.

Relics may also be housed in a device similar in appearance to an altar cross or monstrance, but locked away safely in a shrine rather than displayed on an open altar table. The example shown on the right is available from McKay Church Goods www.mckaychurchgoods.com/reliquary.htm