Large Relic of the True Cross

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Large Relic of the True Cross, Original Episcopal Authentica — 1899

A magnificent late nineteenth-century standing reliquary containing a substantial relic of the True and Life-Giving Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Ex Ligno Sanctissimae Crucis D.N.J.C.).

The sacred fragment is beautifully arranged in the form of a cross beneath the central glass aperture and surrounded by delicate decorative metalwork. The reliquary itself is an impressive example of nineteenth-century ecclesiastical craftsmanship, executed in richly ornamented gilt metal with scrolling foliage, accented by a crown of clear stones and larger red and green cabochons, surmounted by a cross and supported on an elegant tripod base.

The reverse preserves its original episcopal wax seal together with the original red silk securing threads, confirming that the reliquary has remained unopened since its official authentication.

The True Cross

According to ancient Christian tradition, the True Cross was discovered in Jerusalem during the fourth century, in the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, through the efforts of his mother, Saint Helena. From that time onward, relics of the Holy Cross became among the most treasured and venerated sacred relics in Christianity, preserved in major churches throughout both the Eastern and Western Christian world.

Unlike the relics of saints, the True Cross holds a unique place in Christian devotion because it is directly associated with the Passion, Crucifixion, and redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. For centuries, relics of the Holy Cross have inspired the faithful as tangible reminders of Christ's suffering, victory over death, and the promise of salvation.

The Episcopal Authentica

The reliquary is accompanied by its original Latin Authentica, dated 12 July 1899. The document explicitly identifies the relic as:

"Ex Ligno Sanctissimae Crucis D.N.J.C."
"From the Wood of the Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ."

The certificate was issued under the authority of Bishop Ignazio Maria Sellitti, Bishop of Melfi and Rapolla, whose name and episcopal titles appear prominently within the document. Bishop Sellitti was a respected Italian prelate of the nineteenth century and exercised full ecclesiastical authority for the authentication of sacred relics within his jurisdiction.

The document further certifies that the relic was reverently enclosed within its reliquary, secured with the traditional red silk thread, sealed with the bishop's official wax seal, and authenticated according to the canonical procedures of the Catholic Church.

An exceptionally beautiful museum-quality devotional object combining a substantial relic of the True Cross of Christ, outstanding nineteenth-century ecclesiastical craftsmanship, its original episcopal seal, and complete matching ecclesiastical documentation.

Relic: True and Life-Giving Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Latin Identification: Ex Ligno Sanctissimae Crucis D.N.J.C.
Authentica: 12 July 1899
Issued by: Bishop Ignazio Maria Sellitti, Bishop of Melfi and Rapolla
Reliquary Height: 27 cm
Condition: Original Relic Arrangement, Episcopal Wax Seal, and Matching Authentica Preserved