Multi-Relic Reliquary of Thirteen Early Christian Saints

Multi-Relic Reliquary of Thirteen Early Christian Saints

Rome, 7 January 1859 — with Original Roman Authentica

A remarkable nineteenth-century oval reliquary theca containing thirteen first-class relics of some of the most venerated saints of the Early Church. Each relic is individually identified by its original handwritten Latin cedula and beautifully arranged on crimson silk with decorative metallic thread.

The Reliquary Contains Relics Of:

• St. Panteleimon — Great Martyr and Unmercenary Healer
• St. Nicholas of Myra — Bishop and Wonderworker
• St. Gregory of Neocaesarea (Gregory Thaumaturgus) — Bishop and Wonderworker
• St. Sabbas the Sanctified — Abbot and Father of Palestinian Monasticism
• Pope St. Agapetus I — Pope of Rome and Confessor
• Sts. Inna, Pinna and Rimma — Early Christian Martyrs
• St. Dismas — The Good Thief, traditionally identified as the penitent thief crucified beside Christ
• St. Charalambos of Magnesia — Bishop and Martyr
• St. Andrew of Crete — Martyr
• St. Eudocia of Heliopolis — Martyr
• St. Christina of Tyre — Virgin and Martyr

Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional combination of saints honored by both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, including several of Christianity's most revered wonderworkers, healers, bishops, martyrs, and confessors.

Ecclesiastical Authentication

The reliquary is accompanied by its original Roman Authentica, dated 7 January 1859. The document carefully enumerates each sacred relic and confirms its placement within the oval metal theca, secured according to traditional ecclesiastical practice with red silk thread and the official wax seal.

The certificate was issued under the authority of Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro (1798–1876), one of the most distinguished churchmen of nineteenth-century Rome. Cardinal Patrizi served as Vicar General of Rome, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and later Dean of the College of Cardinals. During the pontificate of Pope Pius IX, he held some of the highest offices within the Roman Church and possessed the authority to authenticate and authorize sacred relics for public veneration.

The reverse of the reliquary retains its original red ecclesiastical wax seal together with the original binding threads, perfectly corresponding to the accompanying authentication document.

An exceptionally important museum-quality Roman multi-relic theca distinguished by the remarkable number of first-class relics it contains, the historical significance of the saints represented, and the preservation of its complete original nineteenth-century ecclesiastical documentation.

Date: Rome, 7 January 1859
Dimensions: 6.5 × 5 cm
Relics: 13 First-Class Relics
Documentation: Original Roman Authentica issued under Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro