Relics are parts of the body or material fragments associated with martyrs and saints, whom Catholics venerate. So why are they embedded in the altars of every Catholic church? In this video, you'll learn how relics are classified, how churches acquire relics and what happens to relics in shuttered or abandoned churches that no longer have a home? To support videos like this, become a digital subscriber to America Magazine: https://americamagazine.org/subscribe --- America Media is the leading provider of editorial content for thinking Catholics and those who want to know what Catholics are thinking. To become a subscriber, visit https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe. ****** Sign-up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/2Ka4SOi ****** Follow us on Social Media: • America Media on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Kal3Ll • America Media on Twitter: http://bit.ly/2viJosZ • America Media on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Ka5q6O ****** Support more videos like this: http://bit.ly/2vgqm6A