Sacred Catholic Reliquaries

	Online Article: Sacred Holy Relics: Objects of Faith. A brief history of sacred Christian relics and their significance.
	Online Article: History of the relics of The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Provenance:

Many the relics listed below come from the life-long collection of the late Monsignor Corrado Balducci, obtained directly from the executor of his estate.

Monsignor Corrado Balducci, (1923 - 2008), was a Roman Catholic theologian of the Vatican Curia, a close friend of the Pope, long time exorcist for the Archdiocese of Rome, and a Prelate of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Monsignor Balducci often appeared on Italian TV to talk about religion, satanism, and other topics.

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Attractive 18th Century Pilgrim’s Cross With 32 Documented Relics.

An attractive Italian Baroque revival, partially silver-plated brass silver altar cross, housing 32 documented first class relics and containing a rare 18th century pilgrim’s cross from the Holy Sepulcher. The cross stands an imposing 61 cm x 21 cm (25 in x 10 in), on a base 20 cm x 11 cm x 16cm (8 in x 4 1/2 in x 6 1/3 in).
The base holds four reliquary thecas. The pilgrim’s cross is of Jerusalem manufacture, circa 1730, and has engraved and inlaid mother-of-pearl faces. The pilgrim’s cross itself houses relics of Mount Zion and the Holy Manger of our Lord. Supporting 18th and early 19th century authentics are provided for all of the relics, with seals matching those on the reliquary thecas themselves.Two additional pages of holographic documentation in a 19th century ductus are provided.

(Right theca)
1. St. Ignatius Loyola 2. St. Joachim, Father of the B.V.M. 3. St. Borgia 4. St. Aloisius Gonzaga 5. St. Agnes 6. St. Scholastica 7. St. Francis Xavier 8. Column of Flagellation D.N.J.C. 9. St. Gregory the Great 10. St. Katherine 11. St. Innocent 12. St. Michael 13. St. Nicholas 14. St. John 15. St. Anthony 16. Holy Sepulchre of the B.V.M.

(Left theca)
1. St. Louis, King of France 2. St. Ignatius, Bishop and Martyr 3. St. Benedict, Abbot 4. Ex Veste B.V.M. 5. St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. 6. St. Anna, Mother of the B.V.M. 7. St. Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church and Pope 8. St. Charles Borromeo 9. St. Francis of Assisi 10. St. Ignatius of Loyola 11. St. Helen 12. St. Lucy, Virgin Martyr 13. St. Angelica

(Top theca) 1. St. Vincent Ferrer.

(Bottom theca)
1. St. Christina, Virgin Martyr 2. St. Aloysius Gonzaga

47-MR-55

$17,500

Passionist Saint Gemma Galgani Baroque Revival Reliquary with Sealed First Class Relic

Baroque Revival reliquary monstrance housing approximately 12 inches tall housing a first class relic oft he Passionist Saint, Gemma Galgani. The relic is sealed with red Spanish sealing wax bearing the seal of the Postulator General of the Passionist Order at its Monastery in Lucca, Italy, and is tied with strands of red silk cord. The Lucca Monastery remains the only source of any relics of this popular saint.

Maria Gemma Umberta Pia Galgani (March 12, 1878 - April 11, 1903) was an Italian mystic, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church since 1940. She has been called the “Daughter of Passion” because of her profound imitation of the Passion of Christ.

49-MR-395

$950

Passionist Saint Gemma Galgani Prayer Card with Sealed ex Indumentis Relic, Circa 1940

Early 4.25 x 2.5 inch prayer card and sealed ex Indumentis relic of Saint Gemma Galgani. The relic is attached through the card and bears the seal of the Passionist Monastery in Lucca, Italy, on the reverse. The Lucca Monastery remains the only source of any relics of this popular saint.

Maria Gemma Umberta Pia Galgani (March 12, 1878 - April 11, 1903) was an Italian mystic, venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church since 1940. She has been called the “Daughter of Passion” because of her profound imitation of the Passion of Christ.

50-MR-75

$275

Attractive ex petra Subiaci Relic from the Subiaco Cave, the first place of Saint Benedict of Nursia monastic life, with Authentics signed by the Capuchin Postulator General

Attractive ex petra Subiaci relic of Saint Benedict of Nursia, the Father of Western Monasticism, housed in a floral embellished theca and accompanied by properly sealed and matching authentics issued and signed by Fr. Bernardinus a Senis, Capuchin Postulator General. 20th century, housed in an attractive monstrance reliquary.

39-MR-475

$1,500

“Ex oss. St. Victoria mart.” Late 17th to early 18th century folded paper altar reliquary with relic of a Martyr, Saint Victoria

FirstClass relic of SaintVictoria with Self-contained authentics, no seal. 33mm x 11 mm. Late 17th – early 18th century.

41-MR-75

$275

Sealed Reliquary Theca of the True Cross in an Attractive Early 18th Century, Austrian Cruciform Reliquary Monstrance. Vienna, Authentics dated 31 December 1749

A beautiful Austrian reliquary monstrance from the first half of the 18th century, carved and chased brass with heavy gilt, and embellished with four large paste jewels. The base and the inside of the base bear a silver wash. The base also houses a compartment for the authentics of the relic to be displayed. The reliquary monstrance appears to have been specifically made for the reliquary theca it houses.

42-MR-325

$11,250

Highly attractive and extremely rare sealed 17th - 18th century altar reliquary containing First Class relic of Apostole St. Peter, including the self-contained authentics

Extremely rare late 17th – early 18th century folded paper altar reliquary, 32 mm x 12 mm, with self-contained authentics, sealed with the Episcopal Seal of a member of the Roman Curia. The verso of the reliquary bears the inscription S[an] Pietro Apostolo in a 17th – 18th century ductus. Altar reliquaries of this variety started appearing after the Tridentine Council, which dictated the format in which relics were to be produced as well as the format of the relics inserted in altar stones. Reliquaries of this variety were inserted in the cavities in altar stones, and sealed.

43-MR-65

$2,250

Highly attractive and extremely rare sealed 17th - 18th century altar reliquary, containing First Class relic of Apostole St. Paul, including the self-contained authentics

Extremely rare late 17 – early 18 century folded paper altar reliquary, 32 mm x 12
mm, with self-contained authentics, sealed with the Episcopal Seal of a member of
the Roman Curia. The verso of the reliquary bears the inscription S[an] Paolo Apostolo in a 17th – 18th century ductus. Altar reliquaries of this variety started appearing after the Tridentine Council, which dictated the format in which relics were to be produced as well as the format of the relics inserted in altar stones. Reliquaries of this variety were inserted in the cavities in altar stones, and sealed.

44-MR-65

$2,250

Gilt Carved Wooden Baroque Reliquary with a Major Relic of Apostle Saint Barnabas, Housed in an Elaborate 18th Century Florentine Silver Filigree Theca Composed of Two Pieces of Carved Rock Crystal

An outstanding carved and gilt wooden monstrance reliquary, probably Northern Italy, circa 1710 – 1730, in the form of a tripod pedestal vase with the sanctuary window of clear glass on the front and frosted glass on the rear. The reliquary stands approximately 57 cm tall on a 23 cm by 13.5 cm base , and there has been a minor repair accomplished on the rear foot of the tripod. The overall condition is very good, and the impression is extremely pleasing. The reliquary houses an exceptional and large Florentine filigreed silver theca, with elaborate silver floral- and scrollwork surrounding two carved pieces of rock crystal. The theca’s overall dimensions are 55 mm by 45 mm. The theca holds a large and significant ex ossibus relic of the Apostle, Saint Barnabas, who is clearly identified by the recto cedula as [ex] Os[sibus] S. Barnabae, and on the verso cedula as Apostol. The complex theca is further embellished with sweet-water pearls and probable garnets. The theca is sealed with its original 18th century basilical-level red sealing wax seal, all threads intact. The seal is a pendant seal, affixed to a reinforced substrate, and is interlaced through the theca border. The seal appears to be from the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome, with the Elevation of the Cross motif and Defensor Fidei motto. The theca and the seal are in extremely fine condition.

46-MR-185

$6,500

An attractive reliquary monstrance housing a documented relic from the Subiaco Cave of Saint Benedict, the patron saint of Europe and Father of Western Monasticism.

Subiaco Cave was the first location of Saint Benedict's hermit existence preceding Monte Cassino. The experiences here, to include the attempted poisoning, led to the formulation of the Rule.

The authentics are signed by the Capuchin Postulator General, and the relic is sealed with red silk and red Spanish sealing wax. Seals on the relic and the authentics are in consonance with each other.

Saint Benedict of Nursia (480–547 AD) is a Christian saint, honored by the Roman Catholic Church as the patron saint of Europe and students, and by the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Church as the Father of Western Monasticism.

35-MR-475

$1,500

Attractive monstrance containing ex Capillis Hair of the Blessed Virgin Mary Relic

[ex] Capil(lis) B.M.V. [of the Hair of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

Rome, ca. 1845 – 1849

Sealed by Costantino, Cardinal Patrizi Naro Vicar General to Pope Pius IX

A charming modern brass reliquary containing one of the rarest Christian relics and the only first class relic available of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Her hair. This precious relic is housed in an Italian brass theca, circa 1845. The theca is sealed with the seal of Costantino, Cardinal Patrizi Naro, while Archpriest of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, from 1845 to1849,with seals and tie strings undisturbed.

There are no documents accompanying this theca, which is, in and of itself, not unusual with higher-level relics. The seal serves as the authentication. The purpose of the authentics is to permit the public veneration of the relic. Since most of the higher level relics were gifts from the Pope and the Curia, these are rarely accompanied by authentics, unless the purpose of public veneration was envisaged.

The theca housing the relic is contained in the chamber of a modern but beautiful, brass reliquary of the 2nd half of the 20th century, 250 mm tall, with much fine detailing.

01-MR-43

$7,900

Outstanding Baroque Bust Reliquary of St. Panteleimon

Southern Italy, ca. 1750

A superb, almost life-sized baroque bust reliquary, approximately 570 mm tall, built of copper-sheathed wood. Saint Panteleimon is depicted in the southern Italian style frequently found in Bari, Ravello and Napoli, that is, with a beard, in contrast to the more purely Byzantine form of being clean-shaven. All three, as well as Apuleia, can be considered centers of the Panteleimon cult
The theca is properly sealed, and dates to the mid-18th Century. There is a distinct possibility that the two pieces have belonged to each other since.

02-MRb-19

$28,000

An Outstanding Rock Crystal and Silver Reliquary with Five Relics of the Passion and the Incarnation

Italy, ca. 1760

1. The True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ [S. Crucis D.N.J.C]
2. Particle from the Stone of Mount Calvary [ex Rupe M. Calvario D.N.J.C.]
3. Particle from the Burial Shroud [The Shroud of Turin] of Our Lord Jesus Christ [ex Sindone D.N.J.C.]
4. Particle from the Empty Tomb of Our Lord Jesus Christ [ex Sepulcro D.N.J.C.]
5. Particle from the Nativity Grotto of our Lord Jesus Christ [ex Praesepe D.N.J.C

An exceptional 18th century relic of the Passion and Incarnation, comprising a 14 cm by 9.5 cm rock crystal cruciform theca bound in ornate Italian baroque silver, and sealed with the original Curia Episcopal seal, in its original fitted leather case. The seal is the four- tiered seal of an Archbishop.

04-MRb-35

$8,500

Byzantine Orthodox brass reliquary cover

Size: 2 3/4 in x 1 3/4 in

Byzantine Empire, ca. 8-12 century

31-MRb-14

$700

Italian Reliquary Cross With a Relic of the Shroud of Turin

Turin, Italy, ca. 1830

This relic is not a thread relic from the Shroud of Turin, but a piece of the red silk in which the Shroud was enhulled in its silver shrine at that time. The reliquary is a beautiful glass-covered reliquary cross, 8 inches tall. Inside are beautiful, filigree paperole decorations, together with fresh-water pearls. They surround five precious relics:
Fodera della Sacratissima Sindone [of the Cloth enhulling the Most Holy Shroud]

05-MRb-15

$2,900

Attractive Baroque Monstrance Containing Relic of the True Cross

SS. Crucis D.N.J.C. [The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ]

Lucca, Ca. 1770

A graceful Tuscan carved wooden Baroque Reliquary housing a significant relic of the True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The gentle lines of the wood carving are evocative of the type of work one finds in the area of Lucca. Sealed with six intact Roman Curia Bishops’ seals, the display chamber for the relic is further embellished with gilt shells and green-pigmented backgrounds against a red substrate. The substantial reliquary stands slightly more than 30 cm tall, and is silvered over gesso on wood.

10-MRb-48

$9,600

Attractive Monstrance Containing Documented Silver Theca of the True Cross

SS. Crucis D.N.J.C. [The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ]

Rome ca. 1845

Documented by Constantino, Cardinal Patrizi Naro Vicar General to Pope Pius IX

A charming Neo-Gothic Brass Reliquary standing 450 mm tall holding a sealed silver theca with particles of the True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The accompanying authentics are signed and sealed by Costantino, Cardinal Patrizi Naro, while Cardinal Ordinary of S. Silvestro in Capite, in 1845. Cardinal Patrizi) was a long-serving Italian Cardinal who became Dean of the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Benedetto Naro was his great-uncle.

11-MRb-42

$9,000

Altar Monstrance Containing Documented Relic of the True Cross, a gift of Pope Leo XII

In a wonderfully allegorical Altar Reliquary Showing te Instruments of the Passion

SS. Crucis D.N.J.C. [The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ]

Italy, ca. first quarter of the 19th century; Authentics dated 1827

An original antique silverplated Altar reliquary in the shape of a radiant cross, surrounded by the arma Christi, the instruments of the Passion of Our Lord: The Veil of Veronica, the Scourging Post, the Ladder and Reed, the Titulus, the Hammer and
Pliers, the Chalice of the Last Supper, the Nails, the Crown of Thorns and the Lance of Longinus with the Sponge. The reliquary stands an impressive 430 mm tall on a 155 mm diameter counterweighted base.

In the center, and mounted on red velvet, is the original rock crystal cross reliquary, surrounded by filigree silverwork, sealed with the red sealing wax seal of Fr. Basilius Tomaggian, OFM, a Roman Curia Archbishop, and Titular Archbishop of Dyrrhachium [Dürres, now Albania] during the Pontificate of Leo XII (1823-29).
Accompanied by its original presentation document, or Authentics, bearing the Papal Arms of Pope Leo XII, issued on May 6, 1827 by Archbishop Tommagian. The seals on both the relic and the overall reliquary are identical.

12-MR-75

$14,000

A Magnificent Matching Pair of Baroque Gilt Wood Monstrances Housing the Rare Relics of the Apostles, Saints Peter and Bartholomew

Naples, Italy. ca. 1740

These two impressive pieces hail from the private chapel of an Italian noble family from the area of Naples. Each is 24 inches in height, of gilt wood with many fine details, crowned by the serene face of an cherub and many fleural decorations. The reliquaries are works from the Golden Age of the Italian Baroque, the Pontificate of Clement XII. Both reliquaries are in excellent condition, with some damage to some of the carving, and loss of gilding.
The reliquaries house the relics of two Apostles in a bed of filigree and paperole decoration.

15-16-MRb-65

$14,500

Silver Reliquary with a Rare Relic of the Holy Shroud of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

S. Sindone D.N.J.C. [of the Holy Shroud of Our Lord Jesus Christ].

Rome, Italy. ca. late 17th century

A unique piece from the private collection of a Roman Monsignor: A wonderful filigree silver reliquary, a masterpiece of the Roman silversmiths of this golden age of Baroque art, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall, with fine detailing and silver flowers, sealed with the red wax seal of Cardinal Frederico Caccia (1635 - 1699).

Inside the theca, the precious relic is surrounded by filigree gold paperoles and silver thread decoration. In the center is the most precious relic, one of the rarest of which we know, a fragment of the Holy Shroud of Our Lord Jesus Christ, venerated in Turin, and inscribed S. Sindone D.N.J.C. [of the Holy Shroud of Our Lord Jesus Christ].

17-MR-125

$25,000

Outstanding and Extremely Rare mid-18th Century Chased Silver Theca in a Crystal Box Reliquary with first class relics of two of the Apostles to the Americas: the first American Saint – Saint Rose of Lima, and the Bishop who baptized her – Saint Turibius de Mongrovejo.

The theca and the box reliquary at 18th century, after 1726, and the red sealing wax seal, although illegible probably due to heat, is intact, as are the threads.

18-MR-1

$2,200

Special Presentation ex Ossibus Relic of the Great Martyr, Barbara, Virgin Martyr of Nicomedia, Patron Saint of the Artillery with Authentics Dated 1821 Issued by the Last Prince-Bishop of Liege

An attractive silver-plated 37 mm diameter theca housed in a 50 mm walnut case furnished with a brass bail ring, holding the first class (ex Ossibus) relics of Saint Barbara, Virgin Martyr, and accompanied by the original authentics, dated the 1st of June 1821 and sealed with the threads and red sealing-wax seal of the last Prince-Bishop of Liège, François Antoine Marie Constantin de Méan et de Beaurieux, Vicar Apostolic of Ravenstein–Megen and Metropolitan Archbishop of Mechelen (Belgium), who was overthrown in the rebellion. After the country was occupied by the French the Prince-Bishopric no longer existed.

22-MR-675

$1,350

A Small Flemish Capsule Reliquary Containing First Class Relic of St. Hyacinth [Apostle to the North] - of Slavic Interest, Saint Remigius [Apostle to the Franks], and Saint Peter Claver [Patron Saint of African Americans].

Attractive Flemish capsule reliquary, circa 1850 – 1888, with relics of Saint Hyacinth, Saint Remigius, Saint Peter Claver, and a small ceramic effigy of Saint Hyacinth bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary and a ciborium. Cap diameter 35 mm,

33-MR-4

$975

17th century Monstrance Containing Multiple First Class Relics

St. John the Baptist, St. Elizabeth, St. Anne, St. Iochim, St. Zachary, and others

Italy (?) Ca. 1650s.

Cast gilt bronze. A major ex ossibus relic forms the centerpiece. Seals are intact and clear.

29-MR-45

$7,500

Baroque Altar Monstrance Containing Nine Rare Relics of the Incarnation and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Rome, Italy. ca. 1750

A beautiful, elegant late Baroque gilt and silver painted wooden Altar reliquary, 19 inches tall, with much fine detailing, ready to be used in a Church or private chapel.
Inside, in the relic window, surrounded by filigree gold flower decoration, are nine precious relics of the Incarnation and the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
This reliquary is sealed with six red wax seals of a Roman Curia Bishop, with the threads intact. The relics are of:

1. SS. Crucis D.N.J.C. [of The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ]
2. Ex Cunis [of the Holy Manger of Our Lord]
3. ex Praesepe [a stone relic from the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem]
4. S. Veste Incons. [the Seamless Coat of Our Lord]
5. ex Mensa ult. Cenae [of the Table of the Last Supper]
6. ex Vest. Alba [of the White Vestment of Christ]
7. ex Colum. Flag. [of the Column of Flagellation]
8. ex Fune [of the Rope]
9. ex Sepulcro [of the empty tomb of Christ, site of His glorious Resurrection]

27-MRb-65

$13,000

Attractive 19th Century Tube Reliquary with a Major Relic ex Ossibus of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles.

An attractive Belgian tube reliquary from the Archdiocese of Mechelen, housing an important first-class relic of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. The reliquary is a simple glass tube, 105 mm x 25 mm, sealed on both endcaps with the red Spanish sealing wax seal of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mechelen, Belgium. The endcaps are interconnected with a single red silk thread, and are affixed with a decorated gold and color foil. The actual relic is wrapped in a white woven package, tied with a red silk cord, crossed. The relic is mounted on the center of a green baste-covered panel running the length of the tube reliquary, between two gold metal crosses mounted on darker green cloth highlighted with golden backing foil.

48-MRb-69

$2,100

Current Selection of Altar Relics

The Altar relics are all similar, and comprise self-contained authentics bearing from one to two seals of red Spanish sealing wax. An authorized vehicle for transmitting relics since the Council of Trent, these small packages would be embedded in altar stones or opened by a Bishop for inclusion in a reliquary that was to be resealed. Most of these altar reliquaries are sealed with the Archbishop’s seal for the Archbishopric of Mechelen, Belgium, although some are Patriarchal.

ID	Saint	Price
001-AR-55	St. Alexius, Confessor, Man of God of Edessa, and Rome (This is the Saint for the Russian name Alexey)	$1,200
002-AR-45	St. Anna, Mother of the Theotokos	$1,250
003-AR-50	St. Cosmos, Martyr	$1,250
004-AR-20	St. Fabian, Pope, Martyr (Decius)	$650
005-AR-25	St. Fortunatus, Bishop and 7th century liturgist and Western Saint!	$650
006-AR-30	St. Henry, 5th Ottonian Holy Roman Emperor, Confessor, and only German King to have been canonized. Western Saint!	$750
007-AR-70	St. James son of Zebedee, Apostle, Martyr; the 1st martyred Apostle	$1,250
008-AR-40	St. Joseph, Spouse of the Theotokos	$950
009-AR-50	St. Lucy, Virgin Martyr	$950
010-AR-75	St. Margaret of Antioch, Virgin Martyr, identical to Pelagia and Marina	$1,500
011-AR-625	St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle and Penitent.	$1,450
012-AR-45	St. Peter Chrysologos, 4th– 5th century Archbishop of Ravenna and homilist, Dr. of the Church. 176 of his sermons survived	$1,200
013-AR-35	St. Theodora, Virgin Martyr (1)	$750
014-AR-35	St. Theodora, Virgin Martyr (2)	$750
015-AR-30	St. Ursula, Virgin Martyr	$850
016-AR-65	St. Vincent of Huesca and Zaragosa, Deacon and Martyr. (Western and Orthodox Saint, Patron Saint of Lisbon)	$1,400
017-AR-40	St. Vitalianus, Archbishop and 7th century Pope, responsible for evangelization of the British Isles and standardization of ecclesiastical practices. Sent Theodor of Tarsus to King Oswy for formal establishment of See of Canterbury. Western Saint!	$1,250
	Please contact us if you want to purchase any of the above altar relics or to inquire about our want lists.

Full descriptions and biographies of the Saint will be supplied upon purchase of any of the above reliquaries, as will be photographs of the reliquary package. Please note, that our selection frequently changes.