RELIC OF SAINT BLAISE

Rare silver reliquary with a glass front containing the relic of Saint Blaise ( S. Blasii EM ), bishop and martyr.

The relic is carefully fixed in the center of a refined decoration. It rests on a red fabric background, this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice. It is mounted on a small paper or parchment diamond, serving as a case for this precious relic. A finely worked silver border frames the whole, adding a touch of elegance and devotion.

Below, a parchment label bears the inscription "S. Blasii EM" , confirming the identity of the saint whose relic is preserved. The abbreviation "EM" means "Bishop and Martyr" , recalling the status and sacrifice of Saint Blaise.

The outer frame features raised patterns, demonstrating delicate craftsmanship.

The red wax seal affixed by the Church not only guarantees the authenticity of the relic, but also that the reliquary has not been opened and that the relic has not been handled since it was closed. It thus ensures its intact preservation, providing complete certainty as to its provenance and integrity.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 3 cm X 2.5 cm
SIZE : 1.2" X 1"

Saint Blaise (d. c. 316) was an Armenian bishop and martyr, venerated as the patron saint of throat diseases. According to tradition, he was bishop of Sebaste (present-day Turkey) and led the life of a hermit in a cave, surrounded by wild animals that he tamed. He was arrested and persecuted under the emperor Licinius because of his Christian faith. While in prison, he is said to have miraculously saved a child who was choking on a fish bone, which led to his being invoked to protect against throat diseases. He suffered martyrdom by being first scourged with iron combs and then beheaded. Canonized, his feast day is February 3 , the day on which the blessing of the throat is traditionally practiced with two crossed candles.