RELIC OF SAINT JOSEPH

Rare silver reliquary with a glass front containing the relic of Saint Joseph. The relic is placed on a red silk background and is surrounded by a decoration of silver threads. It is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as:

"S Josephi SP"
Translation: Sanctus Ioseph Sponsus, that is, Saint Joseph, spouse (of the Virgin Mary).

Good condition with its original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

Antique reliquaries containing relics of Saint Joseph are relatively uncommon. Unlike the martyr saints of the early centuries, Saint Joseph was not the subject of an early relic cult, and the bodily fragments attributed to him were extremely limited in their distribution.
Although his veneration is theologically ancient, its liturgical and devotional expansion occurred relatively late, mainly from the early modern period onward, which explains the rarity of authentic relics and their limited presence on the market, particularly for sealed and intact pieces.

PERIOD: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 3 cm X 2 cm
SIZE: 1.2" X 0.8"

Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, is a central figure in the New Testament. A carpenter by trade in Nazareth, he is the foster father of Jesus Christ. A just and silent man, he embodies obedience to God, as shown by his dreams in which he receives divine instructions. As a model worker, he became the patron saint of laborers, fathers, and the universal Church. The Gospel records no words of Joseph, highlighting his discretion and deep humility. His veneration developed late but intensely, especially from the 16th century onward. He is celebrated on March 19, and also on May 1 under the title of Saint Joseph the Worker.