The phrase ''ex indumentis'' is Latin for "from the clothing", most commonly used when referring to Second Class holy relics of

saints In religious belief, a saint is a person who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of holiness Sacred describes something that is dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity; is considered worthy of spiritual res ...

or blessed individuals.Moore, Malcolm, "Clamour for free Pope John Paul II relics", ''The Telegraph'', September 24, 2007
/ref> In proper ecclesiastical phraseology, ''ex indumentis'' should only be used when referring to an article or fragment of clothing that was owned or used by a saint (or similarly blessed individual). In recent years, numerous contemporary manufacturers of relic medals, holy plaques, saint statues and religious trinkets have begun to label their items as being ''ex indumentis''; rather, they are merely pieces of inexpensive cloth or canvas that have been touched to an actual relic of the saint, then stamped out en-masse to be attached to their souvenir medals or statues. As such, they are 3rd-class relics and not 2nd-class relics, as the phrase ''ex indumentis'' implies. True examples of genuine ''ex indumentis'' relics are considered to be treasures of the faithful and should be venerated in accordance with theological laws. Unauthentic examples of ''ex indumentis'' relics have no sacramental value as such.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ex Indumentis Christian relics Christian saints Latin religious words and phrases