What are the remains of saints?

Many people consider that some part of the body of a dead saint - a finger, a tooth, a bone - is a RELIC of the saint, and that his soul or spirit can be called by prayer to his relic. It is little different than owning a lock of hair or piece of clothing of a deceased family member. It brings that person closer to us.

There are three classes of relics:

1st class - any fragment of the body - bone, hair, etc. Also, any instruments of Our Lord's passion.

2nd class - something owned or used by the saint during life - clothing, rosary, bedding, etc.

3rd class - an item, usually a small piece of cloth, that has been touched to a first or second class relic.