RELIC OF SAINT CLARE OF ASSISI

Rare oval reliquary in silvered bronze, closed with a glass front, containing a precious relic of Saint Clare, virgin.
The relic — a light-colored, fibrous fragment, probably an ex ossibus — is set on a background of ancient beige-colored fabric, lightly patinated by time. It is identified by a handwritten Latin label: “S. Clarae Virg.”, an abbreviation of Sancta Clara Virgo.
Surrounding the relic, a radiating decoration of silvered metallic threads forms a luminous halo, emphasizing the sacred character of the preserved fragment.

The ensemble is in good condition for use, retaining its original glass and its sealing silk threads, which are perfectly visible beneath the inner border. The integrity of the mounting attests that it has never been opened since its creation, in accordance with ecclesiastical practices governing authenticated relics.

Ancient relics of Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares and spiritual companion of Saint Francis of Assisi, are highly sought after. The veneration of the saint, from the 13th century onward, led to a wide dissemination of her fragments; however, sealed examples from the 17th–18th centuries remain uncommon in private collections, especially as a large number are preserved in Franciscan monasteries.

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

Saint Clare, born into a noble family of Assisi, was deeply moved by the preaching of Saint Francis. Renouncing the privileges of her rank, she embraced a life of evangelical poverty and founded the Order of the Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares.
Her life was marked by extreme austerity, a spirit of unceasing prayer, and total trust in Divine Providence.

Tradition recounts several miracles associated with her life, notably the miraculous defense of the monastery of San Damiano, where she repelled armed soldiers by displaying the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Canonized two years after her death, she remains one of the greatest figures of female monasticism.

She is celebrated on August 11, as a model of purity, humility, and total devotion to Christ.