CLAUDE DE LA COLOMBIERE RELIQUARY

Rare gilt bronze reliquary, richly decorated. The border of the reliquary is adorned with a crown of faceted green stones, likely glass or pâte de verre, imitating emeralds. These stones are set in gilded prongs forming a regular frieze.

Inside, the relic rests on a background of gold and silver brocade fabric, richly woven. On top of this background lies a small piece of purple or reddish-violet fabric, carefully cut and secured by two twisted gold threads. It is most likely an ex indumentis, meaning a fragment of clothing that belonged to the saint.

A paper label, cut and inserted inside the medallion, identifies the relic. It reads:

B. C. de la Colombière C

Which means: Blessed Claude de la Colombière, Confessor — this title reflects the status of the canonization cause at the time the reliquary was made. Claude de la Colombière has been venerated as Blessed since 1929.

Good condition with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: Early 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 4 cm x 3.3 cm
SIZE: 1.6" x 1.3"

Claude de la Colombière (1641–1682) was a French Jesuit priest, renowned for his role in promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As the spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, he was a fervent supporter of her mystical visions and played a key role in securing recognition of this devotion within the Church. A man of faith, preacher, and spiritual writer, he also served as a missionary in England, where he endured persecution and imprisonment for his faith. In poor health, he returned to France, where he died shortly after at the age of 41. He was beatified in 1929 by Pope Pius XI, and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Today, Claude de la Colombière is venerated as a model of fidelity and surrender to the divine will.