Relic of Saint Louis IX, King of France

Relic of Saint Louis IX, King of France

+ Episcopal Certificate, 1865

This devotional object contains a relic ex ossibus (from the bones) of Saint Louis IX (Sanctus Ludovicus IX, Rex Franciae), the most renowned saint-king of medieval Europe.

The relic is housed in a round metal reliquary, measuring 4 cm in diameter, with a glazed front revealing the relic fragment mounted on a textile ground. A handwritten paper label beneath the relic reads “S. Jois. Franc. Regis”, a customary Latin abbreviation for Sanctus Ludovicus Franciae Rex.

The reverse of the reliquary is secured with its original red episcopal wax seal, impressed with the issuing prelate’s coat of arms, confirming that the reliquary has remained unopened since its official sealing. The object is complete, intact, and preserved in canonical condition.

Episcopal Certificate (1865)

The reliquary is accompanied by its original Latin episcopal certificate, dated 1865, formally attesting to the authenticity of the relic in accordance with the decrees of the Council of Trent.

The document records that:

• the relic was examined and officially recognized as genuine;
• it was reverently enclosed in a proper reliquary, bound with silk thread, and sealed with episcopal wax;
• it was approved for public veneration by the faithful.

The certificate bears the printed coat of arms, embossed seal, date, and original signatures of the issuing ecclesiastical authority and his officials, directly corresponding to the wax seal on the reliquary.

The Issuing Bishop

The document was issued under the authority of Engelbert Sterckx (Engelbertus Sterckx).

• Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church
• Archbishop of Mechelen, Primate of Belgium
• One of the most influential Belgian churchmen of the 19th century
• Actively involved in ecclesiastical governance, education, and the regulation of sacred relics

Cardinal Sterckx was known for his careful oversight of devotional practices and for maintaining strict canonical standards in the authentication and circulation of relics. His authority lends strong historical and ecclesiastical credibility to this piece.

Saint Louis IX, King of France (1214–1270)

Saint Louis IX ruled France during the height of the Middle Ages and was canonized for his exemplary Christian kingship.

He is especially remembered for:

• his deep personal piety and devotion to justice;
• extensive works of charity and care for the poor and sick;
• reforming royal justice in accordance with Christian moral principles;
• leading the Seventh and Eighth Crusades, motivated by religious conviction.

Saint Louis died during the Eighth Crusade in 1270 and was canonized in 1297. He became the model of the Christian ruler, and his cult spread widely throughout Europe. Relics associated with him were particularly revered in France and beyond.

Significance

This ensemble — consisting of the reliquary, its intact episcopal wax seal, and the matching episcopal certificate dated 1865 — represents a well-documented 19th-century Catholic relic.

It is:

• canonically certified and historically traceable,
• suitable for museum, scholarly, or ecclesiastical contexts,
• a tangible witness to medieval sanctity and royal Christian virtue,
• directly associated with one of the most important saints in the history of France/

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