Reliquary-Theca of Saint Longinus the Centurion Containing a Large Relic of Saint Longinus, the Roman Centurion, Martyr

Reliquary-Theca of Saint Longinus the Centurion Reliquary-Theca of Saint Longinus the Centurion Containing a Large Relic of Saint Longinus, the Roman Centurion, Martyr

Original Episcopal Authentication – 1895

Presented here is an exceptional and highly decorative late nineteenth-century reliquary-theca containing a remarkably large authenticated relic of Saint Longinus the Centurion (Sanctus Longinus Centurio Martyr), the Roman soldier traditionally venerated as the centurion who stood beneath the Cross at the Crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The substantial relic is prominently displayed beneath the original crystal within an elegant gilt-brass openwork reliquary lavishly adorned with colorful enamel floral ornaments and jeweled accents, creating a striking Neo-Gothic devotional masterpiece. The relic remains secured with its original identification label reading "S. Longini Cent. M."

The reverse preserves the original silk threads and the intact cardinalitial wax seal, while the accompanying Authentica, issued in 1895, confirms the relic's ecclesiastical authenticity and authorization for public veneration.

Large authenticated relics of Saint Longinus are among the rarest relics of the Passion saints, making this an outstanding example of nineteenth-century Catholic devotional art.

Saint Longinus the Centurion

Saint Longinus occupies a unique place in Christian tradition as one of the earliest witnesses to Christ's Passion.

According to ancient Christian tradition, Longinus was the Roman centurion commanding the soldiers stationed at Golgotha during the Crucifixion. After witnessing the extraordinary events surrounding Christ's death—the darkness that covered the earth, the earthquake, and the Lord's final words—he openly proclaimed:

“Truly this was the Son of God.”
(Matthew 27:54)

Many traditions also identify Longinus as the soldier who pierced the side of Christ with the Holy Lance, from which flowed blood and water, fulfilling the prophecy recorded in the Gospel of Saint John.

Profoundly transformed by these events, Longinus abandoned military service, received Baptism, and devoted the remainder of his life to preaching the Gospel. According to ancient tradition, he traveled throughout Cappadocia proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ despite severe persecution.

His fearless witness eventually led to his arrest. Refusing to renounce his Christian faith, Longinus was condemned to death and suffered martyrdom, probably during the first century.

Because he personally witnessed the Passion, Death, and the saving sacrifice of Christ, Saint Longinus has always been regarded as one of the most important saints associated with the Holy Passion. His conversion stands as one of Christianity's greatest testimonies to divine grace—the transformation of a Roman executioner into a courageous disciple of Christ.

Today he is honored throughout both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches as a martyr, a confessor of the faith, and a protector of soldiers.

Cardinal Pierre-Lambert Goossens (1827–1906)

The accompanying Authentica was issued under the authority of Cardinal Pierre-Lambert Goossens, Archbishop of Mechelen and Primate of Belgium.

Created Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1889, Cardinal Goossens was one of the most respected Catholic prelates of his era. As Archbishop of Mechelen, he served as the spiritual leader of the Belgian Church during a period of significant intellectual, political, and religious transformation.

He strongly promoted Catholic education, encouraged Eucharistic devotion, supported missionary activity, and carefully safeguarded the Church's liturgical and devotional traditions. Under his administration, relic authentication followed the rigorous canonical norms established by the Holy See.

Authenticas issued by Cardinal Goossens are particularly respected among collectors because they originate from one of Europe's most distinguished ecclesiastical sees. Every relic authenticated under his authority was carefully examined, enclosed within its reliquary, secured with silk threads, and sealed with his official cardinalitial wax seal, guaranteeing its integrity and authenticity according to Roman Catholic canon law.

Condition

The reliquary remains in excellent antique condition.

• Original ornate gilt openwork frame
• Original crystal cover
• Original handwritten identification label
• Large relic of Saint Longinus
• Original silk threads
• Original intact cardinalitial wax seal
• Original Authentica dated 1895

The relic has remained unopened since its official nineteenth-century authentication.

Dimensions

• Height: 8 cm (3.15 in)
• Width: 7 cm (2.76 in)
• Thickness: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)

Summary

This exceptional reliquary unites outstanding historical significance, artistic beauty, and unquestionable ecclesiastical authenticity. Containing a remarkably large relic of Saint Longinus the Centurion—the Roman soldier whose profession of faith at Calvary has echoed through Christian history—it represents an extraordinarily rare devotional object.

Complete with its original Authentica, intact cardinalitial seal, and richly ornamented reliquary, it is a museum-quality example of nineteenth-century Catholic sacred art and one of the finest relics associated with the Passion of Christ.

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