FAQ: Why is there red and white cloth on the relic medal?

Each relic medal contains two small materials placed by the apostolate:

• White cloth — this is the ex indumentis relic.
• Red cloth or red wax — this is the seal used to secure and authenticate the relic.

Some apostolates use red wax, while others use red cloth. Both serve the same purpose: to keep the relic in place and to indicate that it was prepared by a recognised religious community. The red material is not part of the relic.

The white cloth is the actual relic (ex indumentis), meaning a devotional cloth that has been touched to the saint’s clothing or reliquary. This makes it a 3rd‑class relic, suitable for personal prayer and devotion.

Variations in sealing methods are normal, depending on the apostolate that prepared the medal.