Large Relic of the True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ecclesiastical

Large Relic of the True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ecclesiastical

Reliquary with Original Episcopal Authentica of Luigi Fantozzi — 1923

An important ecclesiastical reliquary containing a large fragment of the Wood of the True and Life-Giving Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, preserved within a substantial circular metal theca and accompanied by its original episcopal Authentica, issued at Veroli under the authority of Luigi Fantozzi, Bishop of Veroli.

The reliquary measures approximately 4.5 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm in thickness.

Beneath the glass, the relic is arranged in the form of a Latin cross upon a richly decorated gold-colored textile ground.

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“From the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The unusually large and immediately visible fragment of wood gives this reliquary a particularly impressive devotional presence.

The True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Among all Christian relics, those of the True Cross have traditionally occupied a place of exceptional honor, being associated directly with the Passion, Crucifixion and redemptive death of Christ.

According to the ancient Christian tradition recorded by fourth-century writers, the Cross was discovered in Jerusalem during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great and became particularly associated with his mother, Saint Helena, whose pilgrimage to the Holy Land took place in the first half of the fourth century.

Fragments of the sacred Wood were subsequently preserved and distributed among the great churches of Christendom. Relics of the True Cross became among the most solemnly venerated objects in both the Eastern and Western Churches, preserved in patriarchal basilicas, cathedrals, monasteries and royal treasuries.

The present example is especially striking because the relic is not represented by a minute splinter: a substantial piece of wood forming the central cross is clearly visible beneath the glass.

Original Episcopal Authentica, 1923

Of particular importance is the survival of the original ecclesiastical certificate accompanying the reliquary.

The certificate bears the episcopal arms, official embossed seal and signatures of the diocesan authority. The reliquary and its surviving documentation therefore remain together as a historical ecclesiastical ensemble.

Ecclesiastical Sealing and Preservation

The survival of the original episcopal documentation is especially valuable. The Authentica retains the official embossed episcopal seal with Fantozzi's coat of arms, providing a direct documentary connection with the ecclesiastical authority responsible for the authentication of the relic.

The reliquary itself retains its historic devotional arrangement, with the sacred Wood prominently displayed as a cross against the elaborate textile and painted background.

Together, the relic, historical theca and original episcopal Authentica form a particularly complete example of early twentieth-century Catholic relic authentication and presentation.

Catalogue Details

Relic True and Life-Giving Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Latin identification Ex Cruce Domini Nostri Jesu Christi

Reliquary Circular ecclesiastical theca

Dimensions Approximately 4.5 cm diameter × 1.5 cm thickness

Authentication Original episcopal Authentica

Place Veroli, Italy Date August 1923

Ecclesiastical authority Luigi Fantozzi, C.Pp.S., Bishop of Veroli

Later dignity Titular Archbishop of Dara

Special significance A substantial and clearly visible fragment of the Wood of the True Cross, preserved in its historic reliquary and accompanied by its original episcopal documentation.