SILVER RELIQUARY OF SAINT TERESA OF ÁVILA

Rare oval silver reliquary with a glazed front, containing a relic of Saint Teresa of Ávila.

The relic is arranged on an antique red fabric background, at the center of a small ornamental composition of gilded elements surmounted by pale fibers. A finely ribbed metal border outlines the oval shape of the reliquary on the interior.

The old handwritten label clearly identifies the relic:

“S. Theresiae V.”
→ Sanctae Theresiae Virginis
Translation: Saint Teresa, Virgin

The reliquary features a simple oval silver setting fitted with a suspension loop, allowing it to be worn as a pendant.

Good antique condition.
Original old glass.
Unopened.
Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 19th century
DIMENSIONS: 2.5 cm × 2 cm
SIZE: 1" × 0.8"

Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582), also known as Teresa of Jesus, is one of the great figures of Catholic spirituality. A Spanish Carmelite nun, mystic and reformer, she undertook, together with Saint John of the Cross, a profound reform of the Carmelite Order, giving rise to the Discalced Carmelites.

Author of major works of mystical literature, including The Interior Castle and The Book of Her Life, she was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. In 1970, she was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, becoming, together with Saint Catherine of Siena, one of the first two women to receive this title.