HOLY FAMILY RELIQUARY

Rare reliquary in silvered bronze with a glass front; the interior features a carefully arranged composition in the shape of a rosette, at the center of which is a relic of the Blessed Virgin Mary, surrounded by seven other relics of saints. These relics are each set into small ornamental compartments.

Each relic is identified by a handwritten Latin label carefully cut out and attached to the backing.

• • Vest. B.V.M.
    → Vestimentum Beatae Virginis Mariae: Fragment of the Veil of the Virgin Mary.

  • S. JOS. S. B. V. M.
    → Sanctus Joseph Sponsus Beatae Virginis Mariae: Relic of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary.

  • S. Francisci S.
    → Sanctus Franciscus Seraphicus: Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscans.

  • S. Joachimi
    → Saint Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary.

  • S. Basile: Mag.
    → Sanctus Basilius Magnus: Saint Basil the Great, Father of the Eastern Church.

  • S. Joan: Nep: M.
    → Sanctus Joannes Nepomucenus Martyr: Saint John Nepomucene, 14th-century martyr and confessor.

  • S. Stanislas Kost.
    → Sanctus Stanislaus Kostka: young Polish Jesuit, who died in the odor of sanctity in the 16th century.

  • S. Ignat: Loy.
    → Sanctus Ignatius de Loyola: founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

Good condition with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 3.5 cm × 3 cm
SIZE: 1.4" × 1.2"

The relics gathered in this reliquary are united by a spiritual thread connecting the Holy Family, religious order founders, and major figures of Christian piety. At the center are fragments of the garment of the Virgin Mary, accompanied by relics of Saint Joseph, her spouse, and Saint Joachim, her father. This trio forms the familial and Marian heart of the reliquary, illustrating the human roots of the Incarnation.

Around this sacred core orbit several saints representing the ideal of holiness in various historical contexts: Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founders of the Franciscans and Jesuits respectively, embody two great spiritual currents of the Church—evangelical poverty and missionary zeal. Saint Stanislaus Kostka, young Polish Jesuit, and Saint John Nepomucene, martyr of the seal of confession, illustrate purity, courage, and fidelity to priestly duty. Finally, Saint Basil the Great, doctor of the Eastern Church, brings a universal dimension, underscoring the unity of faith between East and West.

Thus, this reliquary is not merely a collection of isolated saints, but presents a complete spiritual journey—from Christ’s familial origins to the great figures of the Church militant.