RELIC OF BLESSED NICHOLAS ALBERGATI.

Rare reliquary in silvered bronze with a glass front containing a first-class relic of the blood of Blessed Nicholas Albergati.

The relic is mounted at the center of an elegant setting. It rests on a background of deep red fabric—a color omnipresent in Christian liturgy, symbolizing the blood of Christ and His redemptive sacrifice.

Below, a paper or parchment label bears the inscription "Ex Spongia Imb. Sang. B. Nicolai AI Iergati. Card & Ep. Bon." (From the sponge soaked with the blood of Blessed Nicholas Albergati, Cardinal and Bishop of Bologna.)

Good condition, with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

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

Nicholas Albergati (1373–1443) was an Italian Carthusian monk who became Bishop of Bologna and later a Cardinal. Born in Bologna into a noble family, he entered the Carthusian order at a very young age, where he led an austere and contemplative life. Elected bishop of his native city in 1417, he governed his diocese with wisdom and humility, remaining faithful to the monastic spirit. In 1426, Pope Martin V appointed him cardinal and entrusted him with major diplomatic missions in the service of peace in Europe. Albergati was an active participant in the councils of Pavia-Siena and Basel, working for the unity of the Church. He was also a patron of the arts and had ties to Jan van Eyck. Beatified in 1744, he is commemorated on May 9.