Silver Reliquary Cross with Relics of Saint Titus the Apostle, Saint Victoria of Córdoba, and Saint Acisclus of Córdoba.

Silver Reliquary Cross with Relics of Saint Titus the Apostle, Saint Victoria of Córdoba, and Saint Acisclus of Córdoba

A remarkable 19th-century silver reliquary cross, preserved in its original presentation case and accompanied by the official Roman ecclesiastical authentication document issued by Cardinal Domenico Maria Jacobini.

The reliquary measures approximately 20 cm × 17 c

At the center of the cross lies a particularly large relic of Saint Titus, clearly visible beneath gla

The relics rest upon silk ground and are identified by original Latin cedulae. The reverse retains intact ecclesiastical wax seals confirming the reliquary has remained unopened since its official authentication.

The Relics Contained in the Cross
Saint Titus the Apostle

(Disciple of Saint Paul – one of the Seventy Apostles)

The central relic, notably large in size, belongs to Saint Titus, one of the most important figures of the early apostolic Church.

Titus was:

• A close disciple and trusted companion of Saint Paul the Apostle
• One of the Seventy Apostles mentioned in early Christian tradition
• The first Bishop of Crete
• Recipient of the Epistle to Titus, one of the Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament

Originally a Greek convert to Christianity, Titus became one of Paul's most reliable collaborators. Saint Paul entrusted him with difficult missions, including resolving disputes within early Christian communities.

“My true child in the common faith.” (Titus 1:4)

As Bishop of Crete, Titus organized the Church, appointed presbyters, and strengthened Christian doctrine among newly converted communities. His ministry represents the transition from apostolic preaching to structured Church leadership.

He died peacefully in advanced age around the end of the 1st century and is venerated as a saint by both Eastern and Western Christianity.

Feast Day: January 26

Relics of Saint Titus are extremely rare, making this large central fragment particularly significant.

  Saint Victoria of Córdoba

(Martyr – 3rd century)

Saint Victoria was a Christian martyr from Córdoba in Roman Hispania who died during the persecutions under the Roman Empire. Together with her brother Saint Acisclus, she courageously refused to renounce the Christian faith despite severe persecution.

According to early hagiographical tradition:

• She endured imprisonment and torture
• Remained steadfast in her confession of Christ
• Was ultimately executed for her faith

Her story became widely known throughout Spain and she was venerated as a model of Christian fortitude and fidelity.

Feast Day: November 17

  Saint Acisclus of Córdoba

(Martyr – brother of Saint Victoria)

Saint Acisclus, the brother of Saint Victoria, was likewise martyred during the Roman persecutions in Córdoba.

Tradition recounts that the siblings endured numerous tortures but remained unwavering in their Christian faith. Their martyrdom became one of the earliest and most celebrated testimonies of Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula.

They were among the first saints widely venerated in Spain and became patron figures of the city of Córdoba. Their joint cult flourished during the early Middle Ages and continued throughout the Catholic world.

  The Authenticating Authority

The relics were officially authenticated in Rome by:

Cardinal Domenico Maria Jacobini (1832–1900)

Cardinal Jacobini was a prominent Vatican diplomat and ecclesiastical administrator of the 19th century.

He served as:

• Cardinal Priest of Santi Marcellino e Pietro
• Secretary of State of the Holy See
• Prefect responsible for ecclesiastical administrative affairs
• A close collaborator of Pope Leo XIII

Jacobini played a significant role in the diplomatic and ecclesiastical life of the Vatican during a period of major political transformation in Europe.

As part of his official duties, he oversaw the authentication and distribution of relics from Roman ecclesiastical collections, ensuring strict adherence to canonical procedures.

These procedures included:

• Verification of relic provenance
• Placement within sealed reliquary compartments
• Identification with original handwritten labels
• Sealing with ecclesiastical wax seals
• Issuance of an official Latin authentica document

The document accompanying this reliquary certifies the authenticity and permits public veneration of the relics.

  Artistic and Devotional Significance

This reliquary cross combines three distinct dimensions of Christian history:

• Apostolic era: Saint Titus, disciple of Saint Paul
• Early Christian martyrdom: Saints Victoria and Acisclus
• Roman ecclesiastical tradition: 19th-century Vatican authentication

The piece also represents a beautiful example of late 19th-century devotional craftsmanship, featuring:

• Ornate silver repoussé work
• Velvet presentation backing
• Carefully arranged relic compartments
• Preserved wax seals
• Original ecclesiastical documentation

The unusually large relic of Saint Titus at the center makes this reliquary particularly exceptional among devotional relic crosses.

  Specifications

Dimensions: 20 cm × 17 cm

Material: Silver reliquary cross with velvet backing and glazed relic compartments.

Condition: Original relics, intact seals, and accompanying Roman authentication document.

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