RELIQUARY VEIL OF MARY AND 5 SAINTS

Rare oval reliquary in silvered brass, glazed at the front, containing several notable relics, carefully presented on a background of embroidered red silk and decorated with golden paper rays.
The old handwritten labels identifying the saints can be clearly distinguished:

• Velu B. M. V. – Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  Notable relic linked to the veil of the Holy Virgin, witness to ancient Marian devotion and to the unique place of Mary in the Christian faith.

• S. Venan. – Saint Venantius
  Young martyr of Camerino († c. 250), executed at the age of 15 under Emperor Decius. Patron of Camerino, he embodies heroic fidelity to the faith from adolescence.

• Emig. Ep. – Saint Emidius, bishop
  Bishop of Ascoli Piceno and martyr († c. 303), tireless converter, he is invoked as a protector against earthquakes.

• S. Fran. aP – Saint Francis of Assisi, apostle of poverty
  Founder of the Franciscans (1181-1226), stigmatized and mystic, he is called the “apostle of poverty” for his radical evangelical life.

• S. Aloy. G. – Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
  Jesuit (1568-1591), who died at 23 while caring for plague victims, model of purity and patron of Christian youth.

• S. Philippi N. – Saint Philip Neri
  Roman priest (1515-1595), founder of the Oratory, nicknamed “the apostle of Rome,” master of spiritual joy and pastoral charity.

Each of the relics is placed in a small golden paper sunburst, harmoniously arranged around the center, bearing witness to the care given to the composition.

Good condition with its original glass.

Not opened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSION : 5.5 cm X 4 cm
SIZE : 2.2" X 1.6"

This rare reliquary brings together very diverse figures of Christian holiness, offering a harmonious vision of the unity of the Church through the centuries. The veil of the Virgin Mary recalls the very origin of faith and the spiritual motherhood of Mary. Around her stand young martyrs such as Saint Venantius and Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, witnesses of the courage and purity of youth. Saint Emidius, missionary bishop and protector against disasters, embodies pastoral strength and fidelity in trial. Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Philip Neri represent two models of radiant evangelical life: joyful poverty and pastoral love. Together, these relics illustrate the diversity of vocations — martyrdom, mission, purity, charity, contemplation — all converging towards a single testimony: the victory of faith and the love of Christ.