RELIQUARY TRUE CROSS AND 6 SAINTS

Rare oval-shaped bronze reliquary protected by a glass pane, allowing one to admire the sacred fragments arranged on a red fabric background , this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice.

At the center of the reliquary, a small fragment of wood is carefully placed and identified by the inscription "De Ligno SS. Cruc." , indicating that it comes from the Holy Cross , the instrument of Christ's crucifixion. The presence of such a relic gives this object an inestimable spiritual value, recalling the sacrifice of Christ and the centrality of the Cross in the Christian faith.

Around this central fragment, several other relics are arranged, each associated with a saint or a major figure of Christianity. Among them, there is a fragment linked to the Blessed Virgin Mary , identified by the inscription "B. Mariae Virg." This relic, having belonged to the Mother of Christ, bears witness to the deep Marian devotion that permeates the Catholic tradition.

Other saints complete this sacred ensemble. Saint Francis of Assisi , an emblematic figure of evangelical poverty and spiritual renewal in the 13th century, is also present, as is Saint Anthony of Padua , a famous preacher and miracle worker. Their presence in this reliquary evokes the Franciscan heritage and its influence on Christian spirituality.

Alongside them, we can see Saint Louis Gonzaga , a young Jesuit of the 16th century, a model of purity and devotion, as well as Saint Margaret of Cortona , known for her path of conversion and her commitment to the poorest. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux , a great Cistercian reformer and doctor of the Church, completes this collection of saints, illustrating a diversity of spiritual figures who have marked the history of Christianity.

Each relic is framed by a fine twisted metal wire, highlighting these sacred fragments while holding them in place. The careful and symmetrical arrangement of these relics testifies to the care taken in their conservation and enhancement, a sign of the deep veneration accorded them.

• "B. Mariae Virg." : Blessed Virgin Mary 

• "De Ligno SS. Cruc." : From the wood of the Holy Cross This inscription indicates the presence of a fragment of the wood of the Cross of Christ, one of the most venerated objects in the Christian tradition.

• "S. Francisci Assisiensis" : Saint Francis of Assisi Founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his poverty and his love of nature.

• "S. Aloysii Gon." : Saint Louis de Gonzague Young Jesuit who died in 1591, recognized for his purity and his commitment to the sick.

• "S. Margaritae Cort." : Saint Margaret of Cortona, 13th century Franciscan penitent, model of conversion and charity.

• "S. Bernardi C" : Saint Bernard of Clairvaux , doctor of the Church and great Cistercian reformer of the 12th century.

• "S. Antonii Pata." : Saint Anthony of Padua Great Franciscan preacher, known for his miracles and his eloquence.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 4.8 cm X 4 cm
SIZE : 1.9" X 1.6"