15 Of The Oddest Relics That Major Religions Worship
Ah, the relics of the saints! For centuries, people have been fascinated by these physical reminders of the divine, and have traveled far and wide in search of them. From Jesus’ foreskin to St. Stephen’s right fist, these relics have been venerated, stolen, and even lost. But despite their mysterious origins and often dubious authenticity, these objects have been a source of faith and hope for many believers.
In this list, we will explore some of the most famous relics in history, from the liquefied blood of St. Januarius to the swaddling clothes of Jesus, and even the breast milk of Mary. We’ll also look at some of the more unusual relics, such as St. John Bosco’s brain in a kettle and St. Anthony of Padua’s tongue.
So come along with us on a journey through the centuries, and explore these relics of the saints. Who knows what secrets they might hold?
Jesus’ foreskin: priceless, until it wasn’t.
Whoever holds the tooth, holds the power — literally.
Tongue kept for 800 years.
Reinhard Dietrich/Wiki Commons,
José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior/Wiki Commons
A drop of faith, a lifetime of hope.
Antoine Taveneaux/Wiki Commons,
Barnaba da Modena/Wiki Commons
22 hearts, from 1583 to 1903 - a papal time capsule, sort of.
Four places, one head: Saint John the Baptist’s got some serious wanderlust.
Organ-izing a funeral: the Bulgarian Orthodox way.
Andrzej Otrębski/Wiki Commons,
DavidEwingPhotography/Shutterstock
A tiny shrine for a big heart.
Camilliani.org,
Wiki Commons
Saint Agatha’s bust bustles in royal red.
Brain in a Kettle: Don Bosco’s Unusual Theft.
Miracle or not, it’s a regular occurrence!
The OG miracle workers.
Arm’s length travel: from Canada to Australia and New Zealand!
Christ’s humility wrapped up in centuries-old tradition.
