RELIQUARY OF SAINT ANNA AND SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA

Rare reliquary in silvered bronze with a scalloped edge. The interior is protected by a fine glass plate, revealing a delicate decoration made of gold threads twisted into baroque-style floral and leafy motifs, set against a green velvet background.

At the center of the reliquary is a circular cavity framed with twisted gold thread. It contains two small bone fragments arranged in the shape of a cross on a light-striped fabric, surrounded by a handwritten Latin label: “S. Annae / S. Antoni Pat.”. This inscription indicates that the relics are those of Saint Anne and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Good condition with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 7.5 cm x 5.5 cm
SIZE: 3" x 1.4"

Saint Anne is the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ, although her name does not appear in the canonical Gospels. Her life is known from apocryphal writings, particularly the Protoevangelium of James. She has been venerated since the early centuries of Christianity, especially in the East, before her cult spread to the West during the Middle Ages. Saint Anne is the patron saint of mothers, pregnant women, and educators. In iconography, she is often depicted teaching Mary or shown with her family.

Saint Anthony of Padua, born in Lisbon in 1195 and died in Padua in 1231, was a Franciscan priest and a renowned preacher. He is famous for his theological wisdom, eloquent speech, and the many miracles attributed to him. Canonized only one year after his death, he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1946. He is often invoked to help recover lost items. In art, he is frequently depicted holding the Child Jesus in his arms.