RELIC OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE

Rare pewter reliquary with a glass front containing the relic of Saint Mary Magdalene . The relic is set in the center of a richly decorated setting, decorated with gilt-edged paperolles and silver thread. It is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: S. Mariae Mag . ("Sanctae Mariae Magdalenæ", or Saint Mary Magdalene). 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 Mary Magdalene is a key figure in Christianity, often identified as one of Jesus' closest disciples. Originally from Magdala, she is mentioned in the Gospels as a woman freed from seven demons by Jesus. She is present at the crucifixion and becomes the first to see the resurrected Christ, announcing the news to the apostles. Her role earned her the title "apostle to the apostles". According to tradition, she ended her life in Provence, in a cave called Sainte-Baume. She is venerated as a symbol of conversion and deep faith. Her feast day is celebrated on July 22.