Exceptional Reliquary-Theca of Saint Paul the Apostle Containing a Large Relic of Saint Paul, Apostle to the Nations

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Exceptional Reliquary-Theca of Saint Paul the Apostle Containing a Large Relic of Saint Paul, Apostle to the Nations

Original Episcopal Authentication – Rome, 1874  

Presented here is an exceptional nineteenth-century reliquary-theca containing a remarkably large authenticated relic of Saint Paul the Apostle (Sanctus Paulus Apostolus), one of the two Princes of the Apostles and among the greatest missionaries in the history of Christianity.

The relic is preserved beneath the original crystal within an elegant gilt brass theca of floral design, accompanied by its original identification label reading "S. Pauli Ap." The relic remains secured with its original silk threads and the intact episcopal wax seal.

The accompanying Authentica, issued in Rome on May 29, 1874, certifies the relic according to the canonical regulations of the Holy See. Authenticated relics of Saint Paul accompanied by their original Roman documentation are exceptionally desirable and rarely encountered.

Saint Paul the Apostle

Saint Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Born into a Jewish family in the city of Tarsus and educated under the renowned Rabbi Gamaliel, Saul initially became a zealous persecutor of the early Church.

Everything changed on the road to Damascus, where the risen Christ appeared to him in a heavenly vision. Blinded by the divine light, Saul experienced one of the greatest conversions ever recorded. After receiving Baptism, he became Paul, dedicating every remaining year of his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Known as the "Apostle to the Gentiles," Saint Paul undertook numerous missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor, Greece, Cyprus, and eventually Rome. He founded Christian communities across the Roman Empire and strengthened them through pastoral visits and letters, many of which became part of the New Testament.

His fourteen traditionally attributed Epistles profoundly shaped Christian theology, explaining the mysteries of salvation, grace, redemption, faith, the Church, and the Resurrection. Few individuals have exercised a greater influence on Christian doctrine.

Paul endured extraordinary hardships for Christ:

• Repeated imprisonments
• Public beatings
• Shipwrecks
• Hunger
• Persecution
• Constant danger while preaching the Gospel

Despite every trial, his unwavering faith never faltered. His words continue to inspire Christians throughout the world:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
(2 Timothy 4:7)

During the persecution of Emperor Nero, Saint Paul was arrested in Rome and condemned to death. Because he was a Roman citizen, he was granted execution by the sword rather than crucifixion. Tradition places his martyrdom around A.D. 64–67 on the Via Ostiensis, where the magnificent Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls now stands over his tomb.

Together with Saint Peter, Saint Paul is venerated as one of the principal patrons of the Universal Church.

Bishop Francesco Marinelli, O.E.S.A.

The accompanying Authentica bears the signature and authority of Bishop Francesco Marinelli, a member of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.E.S.A.), who served as Titular Bishop of Porphyreon and Prefect of the Apostolic Sacristy.

The office of the Apostolic Sacristy was among the most important institutions of the Papal Court. The Prefect was entrusted with the custody of the sacred treasures of the Vatican, including relics reserved for papal use and those distributed with official ecclesiastical authorization.

Only bishops entrusted with this responsibility could issue authentic Roman certifications for relics preserved within the Apostolic collections. Consequently, documents signed by Bishop Marinelli carry exceptional historical and ecclesiastical significance.

As Prefect of the Apostolic Sacristy, Marinelli supervised the examination, identification, enclosure, sealing, and authentication of relics according to the strict canonical norms established by the Holy See. Each authenticated relic was enclosed within its theca, secured with silk threads, sealed with the official episcopal seal, and accompanied by a written Authentica, guaranteeing both its provenance and its authorization for public veneration.

Reliquaries bearing Roman authentications issued directly under the authority of the Apostolic Sacristy are among the most respected and sought-after examples of nineteenth-century Catholic devotional heritage.

Condition

The reliquary remains in excellent antique condition.

• Original gilt brass theca
• Original crystal front
• Original handwritten identification label
• Large relic of Saint Paul the Apostle
• Original silk threads
• Original intact episcopal wax seal
• Original Roman Authentica, dated May 29, 1874

The relic remains unopened since its nineteenth-century ecclesiastical authentication.

Dimensions

• Diameter: 3.5 cm (1.38 in)

Summary

This remarkable reliquary preserves an unusually large authenticated relic of Saint Paul the Apostle, whose preaching transformed the ancient world and whose writings continue to shape Christian faith nearly two millennia later.

Accompanied by its original Roman Authentica, issued by the Prefect of the Apostolic Sacristy, and retaining its intact episcopal seal, this reliquary represents an exceptionally rare and historically important example of Vatican-authenticated devotional art and a museum-quality witness to the apostolic foundations of Christianity.

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