RELIC OF SAINT CLAIRE OF ASSISI

Rare bronze reliquary with a glass front containing the relic of Saint Clare of Assisi . The relic is set in the center of a richly decorated decoration, decorated with gilt-edged paperolles and silver threads. It is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: Ex Emplasto S. Clarae de Assis . (From a plaster of Saint Clare of Assisi, a plaster is a medicated dressing applied to the skin). A red cloth background provides contrast and highlights the relic; this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice.

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 : 3.5 cm X 2.7 cm
SIZE : 1.3" X 1.1"

Saint Clare of Assisi (1194–1253) was an Italian noblewoman who renounced her wealth to follow Saint Francis of Assisi and lead a life of poverty and prayer. She founded the Order of Poor Clares , a female branch of the Franciscan order , based on austerity and charity. Known for her great fervor, she defended her convent through prayer during attacks by soldiers. She was granted the privilege of "Absolute Poverty" by the Pope, allowing her order to live without possessions. Several miracles are attributed to her, including that of repelling invaders by raising the monstrance. She was canonized in 1255 , two years after her death. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11 .