RELIC EX OSSIBUS OF SAINT CANTIENNE

Rare pewter reliquary with a glass front containing a first-class relic Ex Ossibus of Saint Cantiana. The relic is placed on red fabric and surrounded by a gilded decoration in the shape of rays or stylized motifs, evoking a sacred radiance. It is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as:

"Ex Oss. S. Cantiae V. M. cuj: festum 20. Novem.."
→ Ex ossibus Sanctae Cantiae Virginis Martyris, cujus festum celebratur die 20 Novembris.
Translation: From the bones of Saint Cantiana, virgin and martyr, whose feast is celebrated on November 20.

Good condition with its original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 3.5 cm x 2.7 cm
SIZE: 1.3" x 1.1"

Saint Cantiana, also known as Cantia, was a Christian virgin and martyr of the 4th century, venerated alongside her sisters Cantianilla and Prothais. They came from a noble Roman family that had converted to Christianity and lived in Aquileia, Italy. During the persecutions under Diocletian, they fled with a priest but were captured near San Canzian d’Isonzo. Refusing to renounce their faith, they were beheaded. Their cult spread in the Latin world from antiquity onward, particularly in northern Italy and Germania. They are honored as virgins and martyrs, symbols of purity and faithfulness to Christ. Their liturgical feast is celebrated on November 20.