RELICS OF SAINT BONAVENTURE AND PHILIPPE NERI

Rare silver-plated bronze reliquary with a glass front containing the relics of Saint Bonaventure and Saint Philip Neri. The relics are placed on a red silk background and are surrounded by a decoration of silver threads. They are identified in Latin on two handwritten labels as: S. Bonaventure Card. and S. Philippi Nerii

Good used condition with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 3 cm X 2.5 cm
SIZE: 1.2" X 1"

Saint Bonaventure (1217–1274), a Franciscan and medieval theologian, was one of the greatest Christian thinkers of the 13th century. Born in Bagnoregio, Italy, he joined the Franciscan order and became a close companion of Saint Francis of Assisi. He was nicknamed the "Seraphic Doctor" for the spiritual warmth of his thought. In 1273, he was appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Albano by Pope Gregory X. His theology united faith and reason, and his major work, The Journey of the Soul into God, remains a mystical reference.

Saint Philip Neri (1515–1595) was an Italian priest known for his contagious joy and deep love of God. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory, an institute of secular priests dedicated to prayer, preaching, and education. Nicknamed “the Apostle of Rome,” he left a lasting impact on the city through his pastoral zeal and his humane approach to faith. He combined great piety with humor and disarming simplicity. He was canonized in 1622 and is celebrated on May 26.