RELIQUARY, RELIC OF SAINT ROSALIE

Rare silver reliquary with a glass front containing the relic of Saint Rosalie . The relic is carefully fixed in the center of a refined decoration. It rests on a red fabric background, this color, omnipresent in the Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and his redemptive sacrifice. A finely worked silver border frames the whole, adding a touch of elegance and devotion.

Two parchment labels bear the inscription "S. Rosaliae Virg. Panormitanæ" , confirming the identity of the saint whose relic is preserved.

S. Rosaliae Virg. Panormitanæ → Saint Rosalie Virgin of Palermo

This inscription refers to Saint Rosalia of Palermo , a 12th-century virgin and hermit. She is the patron saint of the city of Palermo, Sicily. According to tradition, she lived as a recluse in a cave on Mount Pellegrino, where her relics were discovered in 1624, putting an end to a plague epidemic that was ravaging the city. Since then, she has been venerated as the protector of Palermo and celebrated every year at the famous Festino di Santa Rosalia .

The outer frame features raised patterns, demonstrating delicate craftsmanship.

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 2.5 cm
SIZE : 1.4" X 1"