RARE RELIQUARY OF SAINT BERNARD ABBOT

Rare 18th-century oval reliquary with domed glass front, containing a textile relic identified by handwritten inscription as Saint Bernard Abbot.

This reliquary features an oval mount adorned with delicate twisted metallic threads and blue and red polychrome paper decorations, characteristic of Baroque conventual mountings. The antique glazed front protects a refined devotional composition arranged around a central cartouche containing the relic.

The center consists of a finely woven beige textile framed by a radiant metallic decoration evoking heavenly glory. The whole is surrounded by decorative volutes made of golden threads, testifying to meticulous devotional craftsmanship.

The handwritten inscription visible at the bottom of the composition reads:

“S. Bernardi Abb.”
→ Sancti Bernardi Abbatis
Translation: Saint Bernard Abbot

This inscription refers to Bernard of Clairvaux, a major mystical figure of the 12th century, Doctor of the Church, and important reformer of the Cistercian Order.

Good condition with original glass.
Unopened.
Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSION : approximately 3 cm × 2.8 cm
SIZE : approximately 1.2" × 1.1"

Bernard of Clairvaux was born in 1090 in Burgundy and entered the Abbey of Cîteaux at a young age before founding the Abbey of Clairvaux, which became one of the most important spiritual centers of medieval Europe. Considered one of the great masters of Christian spirituality, he exercised considerable influence over the religious and political life of his time. A renowned preacher, theologian, and advisor to popes, he actively contributed to the spread of the Cistercian Order throughout Europe. His spiritual work, deeply marked by Marian devotion and mystical contemplation, earned him the title of Doctor of the Church. Canonized in 1174, Saint Bernard remains one of the major figures of Western monasticism. Relics associated with this great Cistercian saint were especially venerated in monastic and ecclesiastical circles from the medieval period onward.