RELIQUARY, RELIC OF SAINT MARTIN

Rare pewter reliquary with a glass front containing the relic of Saint Martin. The relic is placed on a blue cloth and is surrounded by a golden decoration in the form of rays or stylized motifs, evoking a sacred radiance. It is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: S. Martin. Epis ( Saint Martin, Bishop , referring to Saint Martin of Tours .).

The red wax seal affixed by the Church not only guarantees 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, providing complete certainty as to its provenance and integrity.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 3.5 cm X 2.7 cm
SIZE : 1.3" X 1.1"

Saint Martin of Tours (c. 316-397) is one of the most venerated saints in the West. Of Hungarian origin, he became a Roman soldier before converting to Christianity. His most famous gesture was sharing his cloak with a poor man, a symbol of charity and compassion. After leaving the army, he became a monk and founded the first monastery in Gaul at Ligugé. In 371, he was elected Bishop of Tours, despite his reluctance, and devoted his life to evangelizing the countryside. He performed many miracles and fought against paganism. After his death, his cult spread rapidly, and he is today the patron saint of soldiers, the poor and travelers.