RARE RELIQUARY CONTAINING SIX RELICS

Rare 18th-century oval silver reliquary with a glass front, containing six relics identified by contemporary handwritten inscriptions.

The interior arrangement, particularly elegant, is set against a crimson red silk background and adorned with fine metallic bullion wire decorations forming symmetrical motifs characteristic of Baroque convent craftsmanship. The relics are displayed within lozenge-shaped compartments and accompanied by carefully calligraphed handwritten labels.

The inscriptions identify the following relics:

“S. Gregorii PP. VII”

Sancti Gregorii Papae VII

Translation: Saint Gregory VII, Pope

A great reformer of the Church in the 11th century, Saint Gregory VII (c. 1020–1085) remains one of the most significant figures of the medieval papacy. His name is closely associated with the Gregorian Reform, which strengthened the spiritual authority of the Church and affirmed its independence from secular powers.

“S. Aloysii Gonz. S.J.”

Sancti Aloysii Gonzagae Societatis Jesu

Translation: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

A young Italian nobleman who became a Jesuit, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1568–1591) is one of the most beloved saints of the Society of Jesus. A model of purity and piety, he is especially invoked as the patron saint of Christian youth.

“S. Ignatii Loyol.”

Sancti Ignatii de Loyola

Translation: Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Founder of the Society of Jesus in 1540, Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) was one of the most influential figures of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. His Spiritual Exercises profoundly shaped Western spirituality.

“S. Cathar. V.M.”

Sanctae Catharinae Virginis et Martyris

Translation: Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr

This inscription most likely refers to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most renowned martyrs of early Christianity, venerated as the patron saint of students, philosophers, and theologians.

“S. Philomene V.M.”

Sanctae Philumenae Virginis et Martyris

Translation: Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr

A young martyr of the early centuries of Christianity, Saint Philomena enjoyed immense popularity during the 19th century following the discovery of her relics in the Roman catacombs. She was especially venerated by the Curé of Ars and many other saints.

“Ex Sepulcro B.V.M.”

Ex Sepulcro Beatae Virginis Mariae

Translation: From the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The association of these relics is particularly remarkable. It unites two major figures of the Society of Jesus—Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Aloysius Gonzaga—with the great reforming pope Saint Gregory VII, as well as two virgin martyrs especially venerated in the Catholic tradition. At the center of this ensemble lies a precious contact relic from the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, lending the object an exceptional Marian dimension.

Through the quality of its construction, the refinement of its convent-made decoration, and the importance of the saints represented, this reliquary stands as a remarkable testimony to religious art and Catholic devotion between the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Good condition for its age, retaining its original glass.
Unopened.
Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : approximately 4.5 cm × 4 cm
SIZE : 1.8" × 1.6"