RELIQUARY MEDALLION OF SAINT PHILOMENA

Rare silver-plated metal reliquary with a glass front containing a relic and a representation of Saint Philomena ( S. Philum. VM ), virgin and martyr.

This oval-shaped reliquary opens like a medallion and contains a delicate miniature painted on porcelain of Saint Philomena. She is depicted with a crown on her head, symbolizing her status as a martyr and her heavenly triumph. She wears a red and blue tunic, recalling the colors of heavenly royalty and purity.

Around the image, a richly decorated decoration of paperolles with a gilded edge brings a precious and refined touch. The relic bears the inscription "S. Philum. VM" , confirming the identity of the saint ( Virgin and Martyr ).

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

PERIOD : Early 19th century
DIMENSIONS : 5.5 cm X 4.5 cm
SIZE : 2.2" X 1.8"

Saint Philomena is a young Christian martyr whose relics were discovered in 1802 in the catacombs of Rome. Little historical information exists about her life, but according to tradition, she was a Greek princess who refused to marry the Emperor Diocletian out of loyalty to Christ. Persecuted, she suffered several tortures miraculously overcome before finally being beheaded. Very quickly, she became a popular saint thanks to the many miracles attributed to her intercession. She was particularly venerated by figures such as the Curé d'Ars, who considered her his protector. She is the patron saint of children, young girls and desperate causes . Her cult remains alive today, notably in the sanctuary of Mugnano, in Italy, where her relics are preserved.