What exactly have I done?

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(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)So. I had an opportunity to view A 1st class relic of the true cross. (A nail)
At a local parish. The suggestion came up & I took it to touch my wedding ring to it.
I also had my (properly blessed ) St. Benedict coin touched to it.

As I understand now after the fact, That either makes them 3rd class relic, Or I saw one article saying because it was a 1st class relic directly related to Christ’s passion, it may be a 1st class.

I need to know if there is any special care I need to take of these 2 items now & exactly how & what benefit do they give. Also, what is the proper way to venerate such items?
 
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Yeah, it isn´t first class. My husband worked in a traineeship in the museum where a relic of the true cross is displayed. They have to take it out of the box from time to time. It´s not that everything touching it would be a first class relic afterwards.
 
I suppose your husband is already “first class” and if you grow “old&grey” you’ll be “relics” eventually. 😃
 
So, that makes it 3rd class?
I just want to know, for my benefit.
 
This is tangential to your post. In Ghent there is a church that supposedly has the actual blood of Christ. They display it at certain times, and the last time I was there I went up and had a look. Do I believe it was the actual blood of Christ? Not a chance! On the other hand, pious people have had that belief since about the 12th c., and I honor their piety. So–to me–the piety of the people who honored the relic (fake, of course) give a kind of validity to the relic itself (rather than vice versa–the relic giving some sort of validity to the viewers). Just a thought.
 
I wouldn’t get too concerned-they’re just material objects and not anything God would have us obsess over or idolize. On top of that the nail was almost certainly bogus anyway, and just another material object itself in any case even if somehow authentic.
 
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That nail is probably one of a 1,000 claiming to be genuine! There is no way to prove it is one of the nails used at the Crucifixion of Our Lord.

Remember, in the middle ages, even before, and after, there was an industry in ‘making’ relics!
 
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I did not expect such negativity, and the lack of faith is sad.
I realise it isnt an actual nail. I have done a small amount of reasearch. in this case a nail was made. During the process, a shaving of what is known to be a true nail of the Cross was added to the forging. Much like adding a drop of holy water to other water makes it Holy as well.
The belief in relics, i understand, is not requured as part of our faith. I choose to believe, and my faith is enriched by it. Those who argue against it, is fine. I just feel sad for them, they miss out on the wonder and awe of our faith.
 
It is a 3rd class relic. A first class relic would be part of a Saint’s body or in this case, a piece of the true cross.
 
If you want to go the whole way then you have to treat that object with care and love. You cannot just wash it with water or clean with a piece of paper that you then throw in a dirty place. Clean it with a paper that you later on burn or can bury in a clean place (a monastery or a place so wild that man often comes there - if you can).
Pray near it (keep it near your home altar).
Kiss it with veneration.
The holiness of these objects or parts of saints is from the fact that they have clearly been touched by the Holy Spirit. So imagine how would you treat a physical letter one day God would send to you.
Be ready to share it with those in need if you see any help coming from it.
 
Get behind me satan. The veneration is part of our rich Catholic tradition.
I was merely starting conversation to address questions amongst what I had hoped were like minded people. I was not debating validity, value or intent.
I personally am not in the practice of casting doubt on something someone holds important, unless it is just verifiably, morally, and legally wrong.
My questions were directed at best practices.

If a relic has what appears to be the proper documentation, etc… I am personally going to take it as real. I think it is a beautiful part of our tradition to honor the holy ones who have shown us the way.There is only one entity that I know of whose sole intent is to discredit our faith, cast the shadows of doubt and deception. If you cant figure out who that is, read my opening statement again.

Do not take what I have said to mean I think you do not have the right to your opinion & doubts & the right to speak out. That is your God given right.
That being said, sometimes we need to think about what we are saying.
Is it for the greater good, or is it to discredit what another person thinks or feels?
Just because a thing CAN be said, does not mean it SHOULD. This is something I try desperately to teach the teens in our high school group at the church.
Don’t be a mouthpiece for the enemy.

OK, ill step away from the soapbox, that was not my intent.
Since I cannot, Obviously raise my question here, without dubious (name removed by moderator)ut, I will research elsewhere.
 
From that pic, is that even on of the nails? If so, why would it just be sitting out like that?
 
The actual nail is sealed in the reliquary. That one is for visual reference.
 
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