TRUE CROSS AND HOLY FAMILY RELIQUARY

Rare reliquary in silver with a glass front, containing a relic of the True Cross of Christ and five other relics.

The background is covered with dark red fabric; this color, omnipresent in Christian liturgy, symbolizes the blood of Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. The relics are set into small oval frames bordered with silver thread, forming a symmetrical cross-shaped composition.

• • S. Josephis. Sp.
    → Sanctus Joseph Sponsus
    Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary

  • S. Joachim. P. B. V. M.
    → Sanctus Joachim, Pater Beatae Virginis Mariae
    Saint Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary

  • S. Joannis Bapt.
    → Sanctus Joannes Baptista
    Saint John the Baptist

  • S. Anna Mat.
    → Sancta Anna Mater [B.V.M.]
    Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary

  • Ex Sepul: B.M.V.
    → Ex Sepulcro Beatae Mariae Virginis
    Fragment from the tomb of the Virgin Mary
    

Good condition with original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 4.5 cm × 4 cm
SIZE: 1.8" × 1.6"

This reliquary is centered on a relic of the True Cross of Christ, placed at the heart of the composition, which gives it exceptional spiritual value. Surrounding this fragment of the Cross — the supreme symbol of Redemption — are five other relics forming a circle of holy figures, all connected, directly or indirectly, to the history of the Incarnation and the redemptive mission of Christ.

The relic of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, evokes the protector of the Holy Family and earthly guardian of Jesus. That of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, Mary's parents, reminds us of Christ’s human and spiritual roots through His maternal lineage. Added to this is Saint John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and forerunner, the one who announced Him and prepared His coming. Finally, the relic "Ex Sepulcro B.M.V." comes from the tomb of the Virgin Mary, recalling her presence at the heart of the mysteries of the Incarnation, the Cross, and the Resurrection.

Thus, all these relics are united by a profound connection: they surround the Cross as the figures closest to Christ in His humanity. The reliquary thus becomes a miniature representation of the Christian mystery, centered on the Passion of the Savior and surrounded by those who prepared, supported, or accompanied His redemptive work on Earth.