This is a photograph of the Sandal reliquary of Saint Andrew. Explain what a reliquary is as well as its importance to the Catholic Church?
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A reliquary is a type of container used to hold a relic of a saint or martyr. The relics were thought to be endowed with healing powers, a widespread belief and held a strong message with all people with Christian backgrounds. The relics were housed in the reliquaries, they contained the relics of saints. It was believed by medieval Christians to be an intermediary for the healing of the sick worshipper.