FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF SAINT IRENE

Rare oval silver reliquary, sealed with its original glass, containing a bone relic of Saint Irene, virgin and martyr. The sacred fragment rests on a background of red fabric, surrounded by a rich gilded filigree decoration forming a harmonious radiating pattern that enhances the relic. Two handwritten labels in Latin clearly identify it: “Ex Oss.” indicating a bone fragment, and “S. Iren. V. M.” for Sancta Irene Virgo Martyr.

The reliquary is perfectly intact, with its ecclesiastical seal and original silk sealing threads still present on the reverse, indicating that it has never been opened since its creation. Its refined composition, aged patina, and the elegance of the interior decoration testify to a carefully executed devotional work typical of religious objects from the 18th century.

Authenticated relics of Saint Irene are today uncommon, as her cult dates back to the earliest centuries of Christianity and the fragments attributed to this martyr were distributed only in very small numbers. Honored as a consecrated virgin who gave her life for the faith, Irene remains a figure of purity and spiritual courage whose memory was carefully preserved throughout the centuries.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 4 cm × 3.5 cm
SIZE : 1.6" × 1.4"

Saint Irene is venerated as one of the virgin martyrs of the early Church, a symbol of purity and absolute fidelity to Christ. According to tradition, she consecrated her life to God from a young age and refused to renounce her faith despite threats from the Roman authorities. Her martyrdom, endured with remarkable inner strength, made her a model of spiritual courage for the first Christian communities. Her memory was quickly honored in the early martyrologies, where her name appears among the most exemplary virgins. Numerous places of worship were dedicated to her in both the East and the West, bearing witness to the breadth of her devotion. She continues to embody the image of the faithful soul that yields neither to fear nor to violence. Her liturgical feast recalls the victory of faith over the trials of the world.