RELICS OF SAINT LAURENT AND SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Rare bronze reliquary with a glass front containing the relics of Saint Lawrence and Saint Francis of Assisi. The relics are carefully arranged in the center of a richly decorated decoration, composed of gilt-edged paperolles and silver threads. They are identified in Latin on two handwritten labels as: "S. Laurentii M." (Saint Lawrence, martyr) and "Tunica S. Franc. de Assisie" (fragment of the tunic of Saint Francis of Assisi). A red cloth background provides contrast and highlights the relics; this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice.

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"

Saint Lawrence , or Lawrence of Rome, was a Christian deacon of the 3rd century, martyred in 258 under the emperor Valerian. Responsible for the administration of the Church's property, he distributed wealth to the poor before being arrested. When asked to deliver the Church's treasures, he presented the poor, claiming that they were the true Christian wealth. Sentenced to death, he was tortured on a burning grill, a scene that marks his martyrdom. According to legend, he even said to his executioners: "Turn me over, I'm cooked enough on this side!" He is venerated as the patron saint of deacons, the poor, and cooks. His feast day is celebrated on August 10, and many churches bear his name throughout the world.

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was an Italian monk, founder of the Franciscan Order. Born into a wealthy family, he renounced his wealth to lead a life of poverty and prayer. He preached love, humility and respect for all creation, considering animals and nature as brothers. His famous Canticle of the Creatures bears witness to his spiritual vision marked by simplicity and gratitude. In 1224, he received the stigmata of Christ, becoming the first saint to bear these marks. Canonized in 1228, he is today the patron saint of environmentalists and animals. His feast day is celebrated on October 4, the day on which many animal blessings are held in his honor.