RELIQUARY, RELICS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, SAINT COLETTE, SAINT CLAUDIA, SAINT CLAIRE OF ASSISI

Rare oval-shaped reliquary frame in ebonized wood with a red velvet background surrounded by a circle of gilded brass, housing four relics, convent work.

Four Relics : Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Colette, Saint Claudia, Saint Claire of Assisi, they are identified in Latin on handwritten labels as Saint Francois d'As. / Ste Colette V. / Ste Claudia. VM / Ste Claire d'As.

With its original glass. Not open

A pearl, probably unstuck, is mobile in the reliquary.

PERIOD : 19th century.
SIZE : 6.5cm X 6cm
SIZE : 2.5" X 2.3"

Saint Francis of Assisi was born in Italy in 1181. He led a dissolute youth before converting and dedicating his life to God. He founded the Franciscan order, preaching poverty, love of God and all creatures. He died in 1226 and was canonized two years later. His life has inspired many artists and writers, and today he is considered one of the most important saints of the Catholic Church.

Saint Colette was born in France in 1381. She chose a religious life from an early age and became a hermit. She then founded the order of Reformed Poor Clares, advocating the strict observance of the Rule of Saint Clare. She traveled across Europe to reform the monasteries of her order and died in 1447. She is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is considered the patroness of women in labor.

Saint Claudia and her companions had come to defend Christians before the governor of Aminsos in Cappadocia. The soldiers rushed on them and stripped them of their clothes for fun and exposed them to the laughing stock of the crowd. Then they whipped them with rods to tear them apart. They were finally thrown into a furnace.

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in Italy in 1194 and met Saint Francis of Assisi when she was 18 years old. She chose to follow his example of a life of poverty and devotion, founding the order of the Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. She lived in prayer and fasting until her death in 1253. Saint Clare is considered one of the great figures of the Catholic Church and is venerated for her humility, charity and devotion. His feast day is celebrated on August 11.