Reliquary of Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna Ex Ossibus Sancti Apollinaris Episcopi et Martyris

Reliquary of Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna

Ex Ossibus Sancti Apollinaris Episcopi et Martyris

Authenticated First-Class Relic with Original Ecclesiastical Document (1879)

An exceptional and highly decorative nineteenth-century reliquary containing a first-class relic (ex ossibus) of Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna, one of the most revered bishops and martyrs of the early Church.

The relic is housed within an elegant gilt-metal reliquary adorned with elaborate Rococo scrollwork and angelic heads, centered by an oval crystal-covered theca displaying a substantial relic fragment identified as “S. Apollinaris Rav. Ep. M.” (Sanctus Apollinaris Ravennas, Episcopus et Martyr) — “Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna, Bishop and Martyr.”

The relic remains preserved together with its original ecclesiastical authentication document issued in 1879, bearing the signature and seal of the Bishop of Tivoli, thereby providing an unbroken chain of ecclesiastical provenance.

Dimensions: Reliquary: 12 × 11 cm.

Saint Apollinaris is venerated as the first Bishop of Ravenna and one of the most important missionary saints of the early Christian Church.

According to ancient tradition, Apollinaris was a disciple of Saint Peter the Apostle, who sent him from Rome to evangelize the city of Ravenna during the first century.

There he preached the Gospel, converted many to Christianity, healed the sick, and established one of the earliest Christian communities in northern Italy.

His apostolic ministry was marked by repeated persecutions. Ancient accounts describe numerous imprisonments, torture, exile, and public beatings endured for the Christian faith.

Despite these sufferings, he continued preaching and strengthening the Church until ultimately receiving the crown of martyrdom. Throughout the centuries Saint Apollinaris became one of the most beloved saints of Italy.

His name is inseparably connected with the glorious Christian heritage of Ravenna, whose magnificent basilicas still preserve memories of the saint and the flourishing Church founded through his ministry.

He is honored as the First Bishop of Ravenna, Disciple of Saint Peter, Confessor of the Faith, Miracle Worker and Evangelizer, Martyr of the Early Church, and Patron of Ravenna and Emilia-Romagna.

Relics of Saint Apollinaris have been venerated for centuries as precious witnesses to the apostolic age and the heroic beginnings of Christianity in the West.

The accompanying authentica was issued under the authority of Pietro Monti (1828–1888), Bishop of Tivoli. The document is headed: “Petrus Monti, Dei et Apostolicae Sedis gratia Episcopus Tiburtinus” (“Peter Monti, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Tivoli.”).

Bishop Pietro Monti governed the ancient Diocese of Tivoli during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Known for his pastoral dedication and loyalty to the Holy See during a turbulent period in Italian history, he carefully supervised the authentication and distribution of relics according to canonical regulations. His episcopate coincided with the dramatic years surrounding Italian unification and the changing political status of the Papal States. Despite these challenges, he maintained the traditional ecclesiastical practices concerning sacred relics and their public veneration.

Authentications signed by Bishop Monti are highly valued today as important historical documents linking relics to their official ecclesiastical recognition.

The original document, dated 18 April 1879, certifies that the relic was taken from an authentic source, canonically examined and recognized, enclosed within a properly sealed reliquary, secured with silk threads, protected by the official episcopal seal, and approved for public veneration according to the norms of the Catholic Church.

The survival of both the original authentica and the intact episcopal seal significantly enhances the historical and devotional importance of the relic.

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