RELICS OF SAINT JOSEPH AND SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

Rare silver reliquary with a glass front containing the relics of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Joseph . The relics are carefully arranged in the center of a richly decorated decoration, composed of silver threads. A red fabric background provides contrast and highlights the relics; this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice. They are identified in Latin on two handwritten labels as:

• "S. Jo. Bapt. Pr. D" → "Sanctus Johannes Baptista, Presbýteros Dei" (Saint John the Baptist, Priest of God)

  This inscription signifies that the relic comes from the sacred remains (or a sanctified part) of Saint John the Baptist , the prophet who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. A forerunner of Christ, he is a central figure in Christianity, announcing the coming of the Messiah and calling for conversion. He is often depicted wearing a camel's hair tunic, holding a cross, and proclaiming: "Ecce Agnus Dei" ( Behold the Lamb of God ). His martyrdom, by beheading on the orders of Herod, makes him one of the most venerated saints in the Church.

• "S. Joseph Sp." → "Saint Joseph, Spouse (of the Virgin Mary)"

  This inscription signifies that the relic is linked to Saint Joseph , as the husband of the Virgin Mary ( Sponsus , abbreviated as Sp. ). Saint Joseph is an essential figure in Christianity, recognized as the protector of Jesus and Mary, as well as the model of fathers and workers.

  A just and humble man, he watched over the Holy Family with fidelity and devotion. He is often depicted holding the Child Jesus, a lily (symbol of purity and chastity) or carpenter's tools , recalling his profession.

Saint John the Baptist and Saint Joseph are two central figures in Christianity, united by their role in the mission of Christ. John the Baptist is the forerunner of Jesus, announcing his coming and baptizing him in the Jordan River, while Joseph , his foster father, watches over him during his childhood. Both embody humility and obedience to God: John preaches conversion, and Joseph protects the Holy Family. Their veneration underlines their importance in God's plan of salvation.

The red wax seal affixed by the Church not only guarantees the authenticity of the relics, but also that the reliquary has not been opened and that the relics have not been handled since it was closed. It thus ensures their intact preservation, offering complete certainty as to their provenance and integrity.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 3.2 cm X 2.5 cm
SIZE : 1.3" X 1"