RELICS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND SAINT FELIX OF CANTALICE

Rare bronze reliquary, inside, two relics are displayed vertically, each surrounded by a burst of golden rays symbolizing heavenly glory. These relics are set within green decorative motifs that evoke the shape of stylized chalices, suggesting a eucharistic and mystical dimension. These green elements serve as ornamental and spiritual supports for the precious relics.

Between the two relics, two paper ribbons bear the handwritten names of the saints to whom these fragments are attributed. The first, located at the center of the composition, mentions:

«S. Felice Capucino »
→ Saint Felix Capuchin
Translation: Saint Felix of Cantalice

« Ex Abitu S. Francisc C. »
→ Ex habitu Sancti Francisci Confessor
Translation: From the habit of Saint Francis of Assisi, confessor

This reliquary associates two major figures of the Franciscan tradition: Saint Francis, confessor, and Saint Felix of Cantalice, Capuchin. Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Order of Friars Minor, embodies the ideal of evangelical poverty and radical charity. Saint Felix, a humble lay brother of the 16th century, was the first canonized Capuchin, living in the exact spirit of his spiritual master. Both confessed the faith not by martyrdom but by a life of penance and service. The habit worn by Felix derives directly from that of Francis, reinforcing their visual and spiritual connection. The reliquary, by bringing together a piece of Francis’s garment and a relic of Felix, manifests the continuity of the same ideal. It is a tangible testimony of the living transmission of holiness within the Franciscan family.

Not opened.

Ecclesiastical seal present.

Not opened.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 5.5 cm x 4 cm
SIZE: 2.2" x 1.6"

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226) is the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, better known as the Franciscans. Born into a wealthy Italian family, he renounced all wealth to live in poverty, prayer, and service to the poor. He preached love of God, peace, and respect for all creation, calling men to a simple and evangelical life. Marked by the stigmata of Christ, he became a model of humility and charity. Canonized in 1228, he remains one of Christianity’s most beloved saints.

Saint Felix of Cantalice (1515–1587) was a lay brother of the Order of Capuchins, a reformed branch of the Franciscans. Originating from an Italian peasant family, he distinguished himself by his humility, radical poverty, and charity toward the poor. He spent his life begging for his convent and comforting the sick and afflicted. Deeply joyful and simple, he embodied the Franciscan ideal in its purest form. Canonized in 1712, he was the first saint of the Capuchin order.