The word relic comes from the Latin word "reliquiae," which means "remains." A relic is part of a deceased person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence. A relic is esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint, martyr, or a holy person.

Relics are divided into three classifications. A first-class relic is a body part of a saint, such as a bone, blood, or flesh. Second-class relics are objects that have been touched to a first- or second-class relic, or the saint has touched him or herself.

Veneration, or an act of honor or respect (not worship), of relics from martyrs dates back to the beginnings of the Church, but Catholic churches did not expose relics until the 1100s. Churches were often built on the remains of Christian martyrs and saints to provide more blessings.

The most famous relic, and probably the most controversial — is the shroud, which is a burial cloth many believe depicts the face of Jesus Christ. Other well-known relics include the pieces of the cross that Jesus was crucified on, fabric from the veil of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the crown of thorns.

Many believe that certain relics signify good health and protection, for example, the relics of Saint Padre Pio.

The Catholic Church's Council of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563 in England, preached against attributing miracles to relics of saints, and considers this superstition, although it acknowledges that miracles may be due to their intercession.

But such miracles attributed to relics of saints should be thoroughly investigated and confirmed by the bishop, and then referred to the Vatican for final judgment.

The official teaching of the Catholic Church, if I remember correctly, is that relics of saints have no inherent power. Miracles cannot be attributed to them, for only God can perform miracles.

Yet the Church looks for miracles that a person has done before he or she is declared a saint.

A third-class relic is something that has touched a first or second-class relic.

Am I a third-class relic? This question came to mind because in 1986, I met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican during a special meeting.

I was one of six foreign speakers in a symposium or conference held in Milan. The organizer, who was a close friend of the Pope, arranged for us to meet him at the Vatican in Rome.

A special meeting of the Pope is different from a private audience. In a special meeting, the visitor is given a pass to sit at the front row of the auditorium where one can greet the Pope and speak to him for a few seconds, because many are waiting to greet him, too.

When we were in front, I was behind the Pope's back when I said in a loud voice, "Your Holiness, I am from the Philippines." The Pope then turned to face me and I said, "Your Holiness, I would like to present to you my book about the faith healers of the Philippines." The Pope smiled, thanked me as I handed him my book.

The Pope said, "Faith is what we need most in the world today."

Next, I felt the very strong aura or spiritual energy of the world-famous Pope who has visited the Philippines twice.

On 27 April 2014, Pope John Paul II was declared a saint. Since I shook the hand of a saint, does this make me a
third-class relic? Just wondering.