Reliquary with a Relic of the Garment of Saint Joseph ( Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Reliquary with a Relic of the Garment of Saint Joseph
(Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

Rome, 1859 — with Original Ecclesiastical Authentica

A beautiful mid-19th-century reliquary theca containing a relic traditionally identified as a fragment of the garment of Saint Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The oval theca measures 3.5 × 3 cm and preserves the sacred relic beneath glass on red silk. It is accompanied by its original Latin labels:

• "Ex Pallio" — from the garment or mantle
• "S. Joseph. Sp." — Saint Joseph, Spouse

The reverse of the reliquary retains its original ecclesiastical wax seal together with the original securing threads, confirming that the relic has remained unopened since its official authentication.

Saint Joseph is one of the most beloved and venerated saints in Christianity. Described in the Gospel as a "just man," he faithfully accepted God's call to protect the Virgin Mary and raise the Christ Child. As guardian of the Holy Family, he became a model of humility, obedience, faith, and quiet strength.

Today, Saint Joseph is honored as the Patron of the Universal Church, as well as the patron saint of families, fathers, workers, and those preparing for a holy death.

The reliquary is accompanied by its original Roman Authentica, issued in 1859 under the authority of Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro (1798–1876), Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, Archpriest of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Vicar General of Rome, and later Dean of the College of Cardinals during the pontificate of Pope Pius IX.

The accompanying ecclesiastical document identifies the relic as:

"ex Pallio S. Joseph Sponsi B.V.M."
"from the garment of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary."

This exceptional devotional object unites a deeply significant relic associated with Saint Joseph, an original nineteenth-century Roman theca, and matching ecclesiastical documentation issued by one of the most distinguished cardinals of his time.

Dimensions: 3.5 × 3 cm
Date: Rome, 1859