Exceptional Silver Reliquary with Relics of the Four Evangelists

Exceptional Silver Reliquary with Relics of the Four Evangelists Saint Luke – Saint John – Saint Mark – Saint Matthew

Rome, 1869 – With Original Episcopal Authentication

A rare and spiritually remarkable 19th-century Roman silver reliquary containing relics of the Four Evangelists: Saint Luke, Saint John, Saint Mark, and Saint Matthew. The relic is preserved in its original oval silver case and is accompanied by an official Latin authentication document issued in Rome in 1869 under ecclesiastical authority.

Dimensions:

• 7 cm x 5.2 cm
• Thickness: 1 cm

Despite its intimate scale, the relic unites within a single devotional object the authors of the four Gospels — the very foundation of the New Testament.

The Oval Silver Reliquary Features:

• A crystal front revealing four individually labeled relic compartments
• A cross-shaped gilt thread divider at the center
• Deep red silk background
• Original silk binding and intact ecclesiastical wax seal on the reverse
• Finely worked silver border in restrained Roman devotional style

Each relic is mounted on parchment and labeled:

• S. Lucas Ev. (Saint Luke the Evangelist)
• S. Joannes Ev. (Saint John the Evangelist)
• S. Marcus Ev. (Saint Mark the Evangelist)
• S. Matthaeus Ev. (Saint Matthew the Evangelist)

The relic remains sealed in accordance with canonical norms, preserving its authenticity and integrity.

The Four Evangelists

The Four Evangelists are the authors of the canonical Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — whose writings form the core testimony to the life, teachings, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ.

Saint Matthew

A former tax collector called personally by Christ, Matthew became one of the Twelve Apostles. His Gospel emphasizes Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and presents Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

Saint Mark

Traditionally regarded as a disciple of Saint Peter, Mark’s Gospel is considered the earliest written. His account is vivid, direct, and rooted in apostolic preaching, reflecting the living memory of Peter’s witness.

Saint Luke

A physician and companion of Saint Paul, Luke authored both the Gospel bearing his name and the Acts of the Apostles. His writings are distinguished by historical precision and profound attention to mercy, healing, and the universality of salvation.

Saint John

“The Beloved Disciple,” John was both Apostle and theologian. His Gospel differs in depth and mystical theology, emphasizing the divinity of Christ. He alone among the Apostles stood at the foot of the Cross and later authored the Book of Revelation.

Together, the Four Evangelists symbolize the completeness of the Gospel message — traditionally represented by the four living creatures: the angel (Matthew), the lion (Mark), the ox (Luke), and the eagle (John).

A reliquary uniting relics of all four Evangelists is exceptionally rare and symbolically powerful, representing the entirety of the Gospel witness.

Episcopal Authentication – Rome, 1869

The accompanying Latin document was issued in Rome in 1869 under the authority of Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro (1798–1876), Cardinal Vicar of Rome.

Cardinal Patrizi served as Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome, acting in the name of the Pope in matters of ecclesiastical governance. As Cardinal Vicar, he held authority over the authentication and distribution of sacred relics issued from Rome.

The document certifies:

• The authenticity of the relic particles
• Their proper extraction and enclosure
• Their secure sealing according to canonical regulation
• Permission for public veneration
• Official ecclesiastical seal and signature
• Issuance in Rome in 1869

Roman authentication greatly enhances both the ecclesiastical legitimacy and historical significance of the relic.

Historical & Collecting Significance

• Relics of all Four Evangelists united in one reliquary
• Roman authentication document dated 1869
• Sterling silver reliquary
• Original wax seal intact
• Exceptional theological and symbolic importance

------ Ask for authenticity documents in private messages at info@saintsrelics.com ------