RELIQUARY, RELIC OF SAINT PRIVATUS.

Rare reliquary in silvered bronze with a glass front containing a first-class Ex Ossibus relic of Saint Privat.

The relic is mounted at the center of an elegant setting. It rests on a background of deep red fabric—this color, omnipresent in Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. Surrounding the relic, a radiant motif in gold leaf evokes a divine halo, enhancing its sacred nature.

Below, a paper or parchment label bears the inscription "Ex. Oss. S. Privatii. M" (From the bone of Saint Privat, martyr.)

Good condition, with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 4 cm × 3.5 cm
SIZE: 1.6" × 1.4"

Saint Privat was a bishop of Mende in the 3rd century, venerated as a martyr and patron saint of the Gévaudan region. According to tradition, he led a life of asceticism and prayer in a cave on Mount Mimat. During the Alaman invasions, he refused to surrender his people, was captured, and tortured to death around the year 260. His heroic death made him a symbol of faith and pastoral devotion. His cult developed very early, and the cathedral of Mende was dedicated to him. He is invoked for protection against invaders and plagues. Saint Privat remains a central figure in the religious identity of southern France’s Massif Central region.