Relics are considered sacred under three circumstances, some of which may be described as "holy by association." First are physical parts of a saint such as piece of hair or bone. Second are objects that a saint has touched, and the third is something that "touched" an item that a saint has touched. We are fortunate to have such a relic in our collection, which is said to contain a thorn from the crown that was worn by Jesus leading up to his crucifixion.