RELIQUARY, RELICS OF THE VIRGIN MARY, SAINT PETER AND GORGONY

A rare ornate silver reliquary with a glass front , containing the relics of the Blessed Virgin Mary , Saint Peter the Apostle , and Saint Gorgonia . The relics are carefully arranged in the center of a richly ornamented setting of silver wire and gilt-edged paper , all resting on a green cloth background . They are identified in Latin on handwritten labels as follows:

"BMV" → "Beata Maria Virgo" (Blessed Virgin Mary)

This inscription signifies that the relic is linked to the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ and a central figure in Christianity. Mary is venerated throughout Christian tradition as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, a symbol of purity, love, and divine intercession.

"S. Petri Ap." → "Saint Peter the Apostle"

This inscription refers to Saint Peter , one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first pope of the Catholic Church. Martyred in Rome, he is considered the founder of the Church and its first spiritual leader. He is often depicted holding keys, symbolizing his role as guardian of the Kingdom of Heaven.

“SV Gorgoniae” → “Saint Gorgonia, virgin”

This inscription refers to Saint Gorgonia , sister of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus , one of the great Fathers of the Church of the 4th century. Saint Gorgonia was known for her exemplary piety and life of deep faith. Although she was not a martyr, she is venerated for her holiness and humility.

The connection between the Virgin Mary, Saint Peter the Apostle, and Saint Gorgonia lies in their deep commitment to the Christian faith and their role in transmitting the divine word. Mary , as the Mother of Jesus, embodies humility, love, and total submission to the will of God. She is the maternal figure and protector of the Church, venerated for her intercession and her essential role in the history of salvation. Saint Peter , on the other hand, is the disciple chosen by Christ to be the first pope and the founder of the Church . A former fisherman who became the "rock" on which the Church is built, he symbolizes unshakeable faith despite hardship. His role as leader of the apostles and martyr makes him a pillar of Christianity. Saint Gorgonia , although less well known, follows in this lineage through her exemplary piety and commitment to the Christian life. Sister of Saint Gregory Nazianzen , one of the great Fathers of the Church, she is a model of holiness in the Eastern tradition, living a life of devotion and charity. These three figures, although different in their mission, are united by their fundamental role in the construction and diffusion of the Christian faith, symbolizing the Church in its three aspects: the spiritual Mother (Mary), the Shepherd and guide (Peter) and the exemplary Faithful (Gorgonia) .

Good used condition with its original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD : 18th century
DIMENSIONS : 4.cm X 3cm
SIZE : 1.6" X 1.2"