Why do Catholics venerate the bones and relics of saints? And why was Blessed Fulton Sheen’s jawbone preserved as a relic?

Following the beatification of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, attention turned to the distribution of his relics, including his jawbone and relics from his hands. To some, the practice seems deeply Catholic. To others, it seems questionable and simply strange.

In this installment of Godsplaining Reacts Fr. Gregory explains why the Catholic practice of venerating relics is not a contradiction of the Church’s profound respect for the human body. Beginning with the goodness of the body, he explores Catholic teaching on burial, cremation, the resurrection of the dead, the biblical and historical roots of relics, and the important distinction between worshiping God and venerating the saints.

Why preserve the bodies of saints? Is venerating relics a form of idolatry? And what do relics reveal about the Incarnation and the Catholic understanding of the human person? Tune in to hear Fr. Gregory break it down.

Let us know your questions (or concerns!) about relics, or other current events in the comments.

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