RELIC OF SAINT APOLLINARIUS

Rare reliquary in silvered bronze with a glass front containing a relic of Saint Apollinaris. The relic is affixed at the center of a richly decorated setting, adorned with gilded paper filigree (paperolles), silver threads, and is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: S. Apollinaris Archiep. M (Saint Apollinaris, archbishop and martyr).

A deep red fabric background creates contrast and enhances the prominence of the relic. This color, omnipresent in Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and His redemptive sacrifice.

The red wax seal applied by the Church guarantees not only the authenticity of the relic, but also that the reliquary has not been opened and the relic has not been handled since its sealing. It thus ensures its intact preservation, offering full certainty regarding its provenance and integrity.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 3.5 cm x 2.8 cm
SIZE: 1.3" x 1.1"

Saint Apollinaris was a bishop and martyr of the 1st century, considered the first bishop of Ravenna. According to tradition, he was a direct disciple of Saint Peter, who sent him to evangelize Italy. Apollinaris preached fervently, converting many pagans, which led to repeated persecutions and exiles. He endured many torments before dying as a martyr, remaining faithful to his apostolic mission until the end. Venerated from early on, he is the patron saint of the city of Ravenna, where his relics are preserved. His cult spread widely in the West from antiquity. He embodies missionary courage and fidelity to the Gospel in the face of adversity.