FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA

Rare reliquary in silvered bronze with a glass front containing the first-class relic Ex Ossibus of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga.

The relic is fixed at the center of a refined decoration. It rests on a deep red fabric background; this color, omnipresent in Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. Around the relic, a radiant motif in gold leaf evokes a divine halo, reinforcing its sacred character.

Below, a label in paper or parchment bears the inscription "Ex Oss. S. Aloys. Gonz." → From the bones of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga.

Good condition of use with its original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

EPOCH : 18th century
DIMENSION : 4 cm X 3.5 cm
SIZE : 1.6" X 1.4"

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1568–1591) was a young Italian nobleman from the powerful Gonzaga family. Very early on, he turned away from worldly life to devote himself to prayer, study, and chastity. He entered the Society of Jesus in Rome, renouncing his princely inheritance to follow Christ in humility. During the plague epidemic of 1591, he devoted himself tirelessly to serving the sick in hospitals. It was there that he contracted the disease and died at only 23 years old. He was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. The Church venerates him as the patron saint of youth and students.