RELIQUARY, RELIC OF SAINT JOSEPH AND 4 SAINTS

Rare silver reliquary with a glass front containing the relics of Saint Joseph , Saint Maur, Saint Louis de Gonzague, Saint Fortunatus and Saint Joseph of the Cross . The relics are carefully arranged in the center of a richly decorated decoration, composed of silver thread and paperolles with gold edges. They are identified in Latin on two handwritten labels as:

"Ex Pall: S. Joseph:" → "From the garment of Saint Joseph"

• This inscription means that the relic comes from the pallium (cloak or garment) of Saint Joseph , the husband of the Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus. Saint Joseph is venerated as the protector of the Church, workers and families. A model of faith and discretion, he is often depicted with the Child Jesus, a lily (symbol of purity) or carpenter's tools.

S. Mauri Ab." → "Saint Maur, Abbot"

• This inscription refers to Saint Maur (6th century), disciple of Saint Benedict of Nursia and propagator of the Benedictine rule in Gaul. An exemplary monk, he is famous for his obedience and the miracle where he is said to have walked on water to save a brother in danger. His cult spread widely in France, notably to the abbey of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés.

"S. Aloysii G." → “Saint Louis, Jesuit”

• This inscription probably refers to Saint Louis Gonzaga ( Aloysius Gonzaga , 1568–1591), an Italian nobleman who became a Jesuit. Known for his piety and devotion to the sick during a plague epidemic, he died young while serving others. He is the patron saint of Christian youth and is often depicted in Jesuit habit, holding a crucifix or a lily, a symbol of purity.

"S. Fortunati E." → “Saint Fortunatus, Bishop”

• This inscription refers to Saint Fortunatus , who was a bishop ( E. for Episcopus , meaning "bishop" in Latin). It could be Saint Venantius Fortunatus (6th century), Christian poet and bishop of Poitiers, known for his liturgical hymns, including the famous Vexilla Regis .

"St. Joseph:a Cup" → "St. John Joseph of the Cross, Confessor"

• Saint John Joseph of the Cross (1654-1739) was a Franciscan priest of the Alcantarins, known for his humility, austere life and mystical gifts. He was a fervent defender of prayer and penance, and is venerated as a holy confessor.

These five saints are linked by their exemplary faith and deep religious commitment. They all led lives of prayer, penance and service to God, whether as monks, priests, bishops or foster fathers of Jesus. Their asceticism and spiritual discipline bring them together, making them models of holiness. Each contributed to the transmission of the Christian faith , through teaching or example.

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 : 4.5 cm X 3.2 cm
SIZE : 1.8" X 1.3"