ALTAR RELIQUARY, RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS and 6 SAINTS

Magnificent altar reliquary in gilded bronze from the end of the 18th century, openwork with plant motifs, flowers and ears of wheat and surmounted by a cross, the center decorated with a fragment of the True Cross of Christ identified in French as: True Cross of Our Lord. and the relics of:

BVM Veil ( Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary )
St. Joseph ( Saint Joseph. )
St. Fr. Regis. ( Saint Francis Regis )
St. Francis d. ( Saint Francis of Assisi )
St. Madeleine P. ( Saint Mary Magdalene the Penitent)
St. Teresa. ( Saint Teresa of Avila )

Very beautiful patina of the original gilding.

On the back, an ecclesiastical wax seal of a cardinal bishop guarantees the integrity of the relics. The silk threads are present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 30 cm X 13 cm
SIZE : 11.8" X 5.1"

In Catholic symbolism, the ear of wheat represents several profound meanings linked to faith, the Eucharist and the resurrection:

Christ and the Eucharist : The ear of wheat is directly associated with bread, which becomes the Body of Christ during the Eucharist. It thus recalls the sacrifice of Christ and the meal of the last supper.

Resurrection and Eternal Life : Since the grain of wheat must die in the earth to produce a new plant, it symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ, as well as the promise of life after death for believers. This echoes John 12:24: "Except a corn of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."

Abundance and Divine Providence : Wheat is a symbol of fertility and divine blessing. It evokes the food that God gives to his people, both materially and spiritually.

Christian Unity and Community : As many grains of wheat are ground to form one bread, the faithful are called to be united in faith and in the Church.

True Cross relics are fragments of the wood of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. These sacred artifacts hold a significant place in Christianity, symbolizing crucifixion and redemption. According to tradition, the cross was discovered by Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4th century. True Cross relics have been scattered to many churches and institutions throughout the Christian world over the centuries. Elaborate reliquaries and lavish liturgical objects have been created to house these sacred fragments. Believers regard these relics as objects of veneration, believing in their spiritual power and ability to work miracles.