What term refers to a light portable receptacle for sacred relics?

What term refers to a light portable receptacle for sacred relics?

• A. Reliquary
• B. Ciborium
• C. Monstrance
• D. Paten

Answer: (A)

The term refers to a container designed to hold sacred relics—objects associated with saints or holy figures—kept safe and ready for veneration. A reliquary is specifically the vessel that houses and protects relics, and many are made to be lightweight and portable so they can be carried, transported, or used in processions. This distinguishes it from the other items: a ciborium holds the consecrated hosts during Mass, a monstrance is used to display the host for public adoration, and a paten is the shallow plate that collects hosts during the Eucharist. So, the light portable receptacle for sacred relics is a reliquary.

The term refers to a container designed to hold sacred relics—objects associated with saints or holy figures—kept safe and ready for veneration. A reliquary is specifically the vessel that houses and protects relics, and many are made to be lightweight and portable so they can be carried, transported, or used in processions. This distinguishes it from the other items: a ciborium holds the consecrated hosts during Mass, a monstrance is used to display the host for public adoration, and a paten is the shallow plate that collects hosts during the Eucharist. So, the light portable receptacle for sacred relics is a reliquary.