RELICS OF SAINT ATHANASIUS AND ALPHONSE DE LIGUORI

Rare silvered bronze reliquary with a glass front containing the relics of Saint Athanasius and Alphonsus de Liguori. The relics are placed on a red silk background and surrounded by silver thread decorations. They are identified in Latin on two handwritten labels as: 

 “S. Athanasii Ep.”
→ Sancti Athanasii Episcopi
Translation: Saint Athanasius, bishop  

“B. Alph. de Ligu. Ep.”
→ Beati Alphonsi de Liguori Episcopi
Translation: Blessed Alphonsus de Liguori, bishop

Good condition with its original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical wax seal and silk threads are present.

PERIOD: Between 1816 and 1839
DIMENSIONS: 3 cm x 2.5 cm
SIZE: 1.2" x 1"

Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373) was a bishop, theologian, and Church Father, renowned for his vigorous defense of Trinitarian doctrine against Arianism. Patriarch of Alexandria for 45 years, he spent 17 of those in exile due to his doctrinal positions. His most famous work is De Incarnatione Verbi (“On the Incarnation of the Word”), where he affirms the full divinity of Christ. He was a key figure at the Council of Nicaea (325). The Church celebrates him on May 2 (West) or January 18 (East).

Alphonsus de Liguori (1696–1787) was an Italian priest, bishop, and theologian, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Formerly a lawyer, he gave up his legal career to dedicate his life to God and the poor. He is known for his merciful and accessible moral theology. A prolific spiritual writer, he authored over 100 works, including The Glories of Mary. He was beatified in 1816, canonized in 1839, and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871.