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Home>>Curated Collections>>Patron Saints Evoked to Protect from the Black Death Pandemic

Patron Saints Evoked to Protect from the Black Death Pandemic

black death

Reading the news about the Coronavirus COVID 19, one cannot help but recall the Black Death, the greatest biomedical disaster in European history. Although it was not the first plague epidemic, the Black Death swept through medieval Europe indiscriminately killing the majority of people it came into contact with and affected society, unlike any other natural calamity. 

The Black Death, also known as the Great Plague ​resulted in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people, peaking in Europe from 1347 to 1351.​ ​The plague created a number of religious, social and economic upheavals, with profound effects on the course of European history. The pandemic is thought to have originated in the dry plains of Asia, where it traveled along the Silk Road. From there, it was most likely carried by fleas living on the black rats that traveled on all merchant ships, spreading throughout the Mediterranean Basin and Europe.

Religion already played an important role in the everyday lives of European Christians, and the plague exacerbated its role. Christianity held a distinctive view on illness and healing: suffering was the consequence of human sin and disease could be both natural and divine. 

The veneration of saints was an important aspect of the Catholic Church. Medieval people venerated certain saints for particular causes, these saints became to be known as patron saints. Certain environmental climates would increase the veneration of these patron saints. The reoccurring epidemics would have been a considerable factor to increase the veneration of saints particularly associated with the plague and death. 

Saint Christopher, St. Sebastian, and Saint Roch are considered to be three most important Holy Protectors against the plague, but other saints were also frequently invoked for protection against the pandemic, including the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints originated in the 14th century ​and ​venerated together in Roman Catholicism because their intercession is believed to be particularly effective.​ They are: St. Agathius, St. Barbara, St. Blaise, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. ​Christopher, St. Cyriacus, St. Denis, St. Erasmus, St. Eustace, St. George, St. Giles, St. Margaret of Antinoch, St. Pantaleon, and St. Vitus. 

Additionally, the following Saints are frequently invoked as saintly intercessors against pandemics and plague:  St. Bernardino of Siena, St. Casimir, St. Fabian Pope and Martyr, St. Frances of Rome, St. Genevieve, St. Gregory the Great, St. Nicholas of Tolentino, St. Peter of Verona, St. Regis, St. Remigius of Rheims, St. Valentine, St. Vincent Ferrer, and St. Walburga.

Finally, holy unmercenary healers and great martyrs Cosmas and Damian were known to protect against many illnesses and especially from the plague pandemics. 

In today’s world, attitude towards pandemics has changed and modern medicine eclipsed the ancient reliance on spiritual measures to cure disease. Despite this, the evocation of the Holy Protectors as the saintly intercessors is still popular among the Christian believers, especially at times when all other measures fail to stop the disease from spreading. 

Reliquary monstrance with large relics of Saint Martyr Cyriacus, Bishop of Jerusalem

Opulent 17-th century reliquary in a form of a chest of gilt and painted wood with frontal openings and internal vitrine of glass housing very large and historically significant ex ossibus (bone) relics of Saint Cyriacus, Martyr & Bishop of Jerusalem. The relics are identified on a manuscript paper cedula label as S. Corpus S. Ciriaci Epi. et Martire (from the holy body of Saint Cyriac, Bishop and Martyr). The reliquary is recertified in the 19th century with red ribbon secured by seals of red Spanish wax with imprints of a coat of arms of Cardinal Lorenzo Litta  (†), the Vicar General of Rome (1818-1820).

  • ID# 27-RSMBR-23
  • Size 11 x 9 x 5 in (28 x 23 x 13 cm)
  • Age ca. 17th century, re-certified in 19th century
  • Origin Italy
  • Materials Gilt wood, glass
  • Price Price upon request
  • Orthodox Cross

Reliquary with relics of Saints Cosmas & Damian, Unmercenary Healers, Patrons of Doctors

18th-century angel-form reliquary made of painted and gilded wood with front glass panel housing significant first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relics of two Unmercenary healers: Saints Cosmas and Damian. The relics are affixed to a red silk background and identified on paper cedulae labels as S. Cosmae Mart. / S Damiani Mart. (Saint Cosmas Martyr / Saint Damian Martyr). On the back, the reliquary is protected by a crisscrossed silk ribbon held in place by four seals of red Spanish wax with clear imprints of a coat of arms of an unidentified Catholic Bishop. The reliquary has damage on the left side where the arm is partially missing. 

  • ID# 206-RSCR-2
  • Size 16 1/2 in (42 cm high)
  • Age ca. 18th century
  • Origin Italy
  • Materials wood, glass
  • Price Price upon request
  • Orthodox Cross

Spectacular theca with first-class relic of St. Christopher, Patron of Travelers

Spectacular large silver crystal-fronted reliquary decorated with opulent floral ornamentation and housing significant first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Christopher Substantial relic is affixed to the background of red silk decorated with paperole ornamentation and identified on a paper cedula label as S. Christopha/ri M. (St. Christopher, Martyr). On the back, the theca is secured with a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing a faint imprint with a coat of arms of an unidentified Catholic Bishop.

  • ID# 09-RSSR-22
  • Size 190 x 120 mm (7 1/2 x 5 in)
  • Age ca. 1820s
  • Origin Italy
  • Materials silver, glass
  • Price Price upon request
  • Silver
  • Orthodox Cross

Important reliquary theca with relics of St Valentine of Rome, Patron of the Courtly Love

Attractive large oval glass-fronted brass reliquary theca housing significant and important relic of Saint Valentine of Rome, Bishop and Martyr. Very large (3 cm or 1  1/4 inches long) first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic is affixed on a background richly decorated with gilt paper and silk flowers and identified in a fancy cut paper cedula label as Ex Oss S. Valentini Mart. (Of the bone of Saint Valentine, Martyr). On the back, the theca is secured by a seal of red Spanish wax with an imprint of a coat of arms of Cardinal Bernardino (†1807), the Archbishop of Senigallia and an important official of the Vatican Curia. 

  • ID# 196-RSCR-12
  • Size 160 x 130 mm (6 1/4 x 5 1/4 in)
  • Age ca. 1790s
  • Origin Italy
  • Price Price upon request
  • Orthodox Cross

17c Russian Icon - Miracle of St. George Slaying the Dragon

Ca. 1650-1700 Northern Russian Icon depicting the Miracle of St. George Slaying the Dragon.

  • ID# 59-81-SSI-35
  • Size 28 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (72.8 x 59.6 cm)
  • Age ca. 1650-1700
  • Origin Northern Russia
  • Materials Egg tempera on gessoed wood
  • Price Price upon request
  • Orthodox Cross

Reliquary monstrance with relics of St Pantaleon, (Panteleimon), Greatmartyr and Unmercenary Healer

Opulent 18th century Baroque reliquary monstrance of gilt wood housing very significant and historically important relic of ​the Saint Pantaleon, Greatmartyr and Unmercenary HealerThe relic in displayed in an oval grass-fronted cavity located in the center the monstrance and identified on a fancy-cut paper cedula label as  S. Pantaleo. Mart  (Saint Panteleon, Martyr). On the back, the cavity is secured by two seals of red wax with a perfectly preserved imprint of a coat of arms of Fr. Francisco Maria de Vecchi, the Apostolic Protonotary and the General Vicar to Fr. Giuseppe Maria Saporiti, Archbishop of Genoa (1746-1767). Fit for a large place of public veneration. 

  • ID# 141-RSCR-9
  • Size Reliquary: 38 cm / 15 inches high, relic - 35 mm long
  • Age ca. 18th century,
  • Origin Genoa, Italy
  • Materials gilt wood
  • Price Price upon request
  • Orthodox Cross

1795 Vatican documented reliquary theca with relics of St. Lucia (Lucy) of Syracuse, Martyr

Oval glass-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing precious first-class ex ossibus (from the bone) relic of St. Lucia. The relic is affixed to a red silk background decorated with gilt paperolle and silver wire ornamentation and identified on a manuscript cedula label as Ex Oss. // S. Luciae V.M. (of the bone of Saint Lucia, Virgin & Martyr). On the back, the theca is secured with a perfectly-preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Fr. Francesco Saverio Cristiani O.E.S.A. († 1800), Titular Bishop of Porphyreon in a capacity of the Sacristan of the Apostolic Palace during the pontificate of Pope Pius VI (p. 1775-1799). The relic is accompanied by an original matching authentics document issued and signed by Fr.  Cristiani in 1795.

  • ID# 266-RSCR-6
  • Size 34 x 28 mm
  • Age ca. 1795
  • Origin Vatican
  • Materials silver, glass, silk, paper, Spanish wax
  • Price $2,850
  • Silver
  • Orthodox Cross

Reliquary theca with relics of 4 Martyr Saints: St Justina, St Liberates, ​St Venerandus, and St Valentine of Rome

Oval glass-fronted brass theca housing very large first-class ex ossibus (from the bone) relics of four Martyr saints: Saint Justina, Martyr;  Saint Liberates, ​Martyr; Saint Venerandus, Martyr; and Saint Valentine of Rome, MartyrThe relics are housed in compartments made of golden paperole ornamentation and titled on cedulae labels.  On the back, the theca is secured with a red wax seal with a coat of arms of a Catholic bishop. 

  • ID# 70-RSABR-75
  • Size 60 x 45 mm
  • Age ca. 18th century, Italy
  • Price $2,750
  • Orthodox Cross

1744 Documented reliquary theca with relics of St. Lucia (Lucy) of Syracuse, Martyr

Oval glass-fronted silver reliquary theca housing precious first-class ex ossibus (from the bone) relic of St. Lucia. The relic is affixed to a gold silk background decorated with silver wire ornamentation and identified on a manuscript cedula label as S. Luciae V.M. (Saint Lucia, Virgin & Martyr). On the back, the theca is secured with a perfectly-preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Fr. Salvatore Castellino, the Vicar General of Genoa. The relic is accompanied by an original matching authentics document issued and signed by Fr. Castellino in 1744 under the orders of the Archbishop of Genoa Nicolò Maria de’ Franchi O.P. (†).

  • ID# 221-RSCR-85
  • Size 45 x 33 mm
  • Age ca. 1744
  • Origin Genoa, Italy
  • Materials silver, silk, glass
  • Price $2,750
  • Silver
  • Orthodox Cross

Reliquary theca with relics of 3 Martyr Saints: ​St Erasmus, St Lucy & St Ursula

Large oval glass-fronted brass theca housing ex ossibus (of the bone) first-class relics of theree saints:  ​​Saint Erasmus, Bishop of Formia and Martyr, Saint Lucia of Syracuse, Virgin Martyr and Saint Ursula, MartyrThe relics are affixed to a background of red silk decorated by paperole and paper ornamentation and titled on cedula labels as Ex oss[ibus] S Erasmi Ep. M / Ex tib[ia] S Luciae V.M. / Ex oss[ibus] S. Ursulae M. On the back, the theca is secured with a red wax seal with a coat of arms of a Catholic bishop.

  • ID# 63-RSABR-1
  • Size 72 x 53 mm
  • Age ca. 18th century, Italy
  • Materials brass
  • Price $1,750
  • Orthodox Cross

Documented theca with relics of St. Frances of Rome, Obl.S.B., Patron Saint of Widows and Car Drivers

19th century oval glass-fronted silver reliquary theca housing substantial first-class ex ossibus  (of the bone) relic of Saint Frances of Rome Obl. S. B.The relic is affixed to a red silk background decorated with gilt paperole and silver cord and identified on a manuscript cedulae as S. Franciscae Roma. On the back, the theca is secured with perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Fr. Giuseppe Mancini (†1855), Archbishop of Siena (1824-1855). It is accompanied by original matching authentics document issued and hand-signed by Mgr. Mancini in 1829. 

  • ID# 158-RSCR-2
  • Size 27 x 22 mm
  • Age ca. 1829
  • Origin Siena, Italy
  • Materials silver
  • Price $1,750
  • Silver

Russian Icon - Miracle of St George Slaying the Dragon

The Great Martyr Saint George is depicted as a mounted soldier striking with a lance a dragon beneath his horse. On the right is the town of Silene with a princess Elisaba, whose fate is in George’s hands, standing at the gate. The scene is titled in Old Slavonic as  "Saint George the Victorybearer." The oldest icons depicting Saint George as a horseman killing the dragon date to the 12th century. The motif becomes popular especially in Georgian and Russian tradition, but it is also found in Greek icons. 

  • ID# 76-103-054-SP7-15
  • Size 16 1/2 x 12 1/2 in (42 x 32 cm)
  • Age ca. 1890s
  • Materials Egg tempera on gessoed wood
  • Price $975
  • Orthodox Cross

1994 Vatican Documented reliquary theca with relics of St. Rosalia of Palermo & St. Genevieve

Round glass-fronted yellow-metal reliquary theca housing the first-class ex ossibus  (of the bones) relics of St. Rosalia of Palermo & St. Genevieve. The relics are affixed to a red silk ground and identified in Latin on a typeset cedulae labels as S. Genovefae V. / S. Rosaliae Virg. (St. Genevieve Virgin / St. Rosalia Virgin).  On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured with a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Monsignor Ugo Poletti (†1997), an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Vicar General of Rome (1973–1991). The relic is accompanied by the original  authentics document issued in 1994 by Msgr. Camillo Ruini Vicar General of Rome (1991–2001). 

  • ID# 67-RSGSR
  • Size 33 mm across
  • Age ca. 1994
  • Origin Vatican
  • Materials metal, glass, silk, Spanish wax
  • Price $975

Russian Icon - Miracle of St. George Slaying the Dragon

The Great Martyr Saint George is depicted as a mounted soldier striking with a lance a dragon beneath his horse. On the right is the town of Silene with a princess Elisaba, whose fate is in George’s hands, standing at the gate. The scene is titled in Old Slavonic as  "Saint George the Victorybearer." The oldest icons depicting Saint George as a horseman killing the dragon date to the 12th century. The motif becomes popular especially in Georgian and Russian tradition, but it is also found in Greek icons.

  • ID# 88-43-89-SP6-9
  • Size 12 x 10 in (31 x 26 cm)
  • Age ca. 1900
  • Materials Egg tempera and gilding on gessoed wood
  • Price $900
  • Orthodox Cross

Theca with a second class ex pallio relic of Saint Vincent Ferrer

Oval glass-fronted silvered metal reliquary theca housing ex pallio (of the dress) relic of Saint Vincent Ferrer. The theca is decorated with a twisted wire oranmentation and the relic is identified on a paper cedula as S. Vincentii Ferer. The theca is secured on the back with a seal of red Spanish wax with inprint of a coat of arms of a Catholic Bishop. 

  • ID# 58-DDCR125-1 *
  • Size 35 mm x 30 mm
  • Age ca. 1850's, Italy
  • Price $850

Russian Icon - St Greatmartyr Barbara in brass oklad

Saint Barbara, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian saint and martyr living in the Greek city Nicomedia, present-day Turkey or in Heliopolis of Phoenicia, present-day Baalbek, Lebanon. Saint Barbara is often portrayed with miniature chains and a tower. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Barbara continues to be a popular saint in modern times, perhaps best known as the patron saint of armourers, artillerymen, military engineers, miners and others who work with explosives because of her old legend's association with lightning, and also of mathematicians. Many of her the thirteen miracles turn on the security she offered that her devotees would not die without making confession and receiving extreme unction.

  • ID# 227-098-087-SP7-1
  • Size 12 1/4 x 10 1/4 in (31 x 26 cm)
  • Age ca. 1870s
  • Materials egg tempera on gessoed wood under a brass revetment cover
  • Price $750
  • Orthodox Cross

Russian Icon - Saint Panteleimon (Pantaleon), the Unmercenary Healer & Greatmartyr

Greatmartyr Panteleimon (or Pantaleon) was the Unmercenary Healer martyred under the reign of Emperor Maximian (ca. 305 A.D.). Saint Panteleimon had been educated as a physician and dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate, and the needy. He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. He visited those held captive in prison. These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds. Saint Panteleimon is venerated in the Orthodox Church as a mighty saint and the protector of soldiers. This aspect of his veneration is derived from his first name Pantaleon, which means “a lion in everything”. His second name, Panteleimon, given him at Baptism, which means “all-merciful,” manifests in the veneration of the martyr as a healer. The connection between these two aspects of the saint is readily apparent in that soldiers, receiving wounds more frequently than others, are more in need of a physician-healer. Christians waging spiritual warfare also have recourse to this saint, asking him to heal their spiritual wounds.

The holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon is invoked in the Mystery of Anointing the Sick, at the Blessing of Water, and in the Prayers for the Sick.

The border saint is Saint Barbara, the Greatmartyr.

  • ID# 324-091-035-SP2
  • Size 10 1/2 x 8 3/4 inches (26.5 x 22 cm)
  • Age ca. 1900
  • Origin Central Russia
  • Materials Egg tempera on silvered, tooled, and gessoed wood
  • Price $750
  • Orthodox Cross

Russian Icon - Apostles Peter and Paul with Unmercenary Healer Saint Cosmas

 

 

  • ID# 080-008-163-L60i3-50
  • Size 11 1/2 in x 9 1/2 in (29 cm x 24 cm)
  • Age ca. 1800s, provincial
  • Materials Egg tempera on gessoed wood
  • Price $700

Reliquary theca with relics of St Joseph of Leonessa, St Felix of Nicosia & St Bernardino of Siena

Large oval crystal-fronted silver reliquary theca housing relics of three Cathgolic saints: Saint Joseph of Leonessa, Saint Felix of Nicosia and Saint Bernardino of Siena. The relics are affixed to a silver silk background identified on manuscript cedulae labels. On the back, the theca is secured by a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax with a clear imprint of a coat of arms of Antonio Paganini, Vicar General to Giuseppe Saporiti (+1767), Archbishop of Genoa (1746-1767).

  • ID# 22 -RSCRM
  • Size 50 x 44 mm
  • Age ca. 18th century
  • Origin Genoa, Italy
  • Materials silver
  • Price $675
  • Silver

Reliquary theca with relic of Saint Vincent Ferrer

Small crystal-fronted silver reliquary theca housing reic of Saint Vincent Ferrer. The relic is affixed to a background of red silk and surrounded by paperole and twisted wire ornamentation. It is labeled on a paper cedula as S. Vincent F, and secured on the back with red Spanish wax.

  • ID# 21-LPR-2
  • Size 27 x 22 mm
  • Age ca. 18th century
  • Materials silver
  • Price $625
  • Silver

Reliquary theca with relics of St. Peter of Alcantara, St. Paschal Baylon, and St. Vincent Ferrer

Oval brass reliquary theca housing relics of Saint Peter of Alcantara, Saint Paschal Baylon, and Saint Vincent FerrerThe relics are affixed to a red silk background and identified on a manuscript cedula labels. On the back, under a protective cap, the theca is secured with perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of an undentified Catholic Bishop.

  • ID# 07-RSMR-5
  • Size 34 x 27 mm
  • Age ca. 19th century
  • Origin Italy
  • Price $595

Russian Icon - Greatmartyr Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also known as Saint Catherine of the Wheel and The Great Martyr Saint Catherine is, according to tradition, a Christian saint and virgin, who was martyred in the early 4th century at the hands of the pagan emperor Maxentius. She is a patron of Unmarried girls, Aalsum; apologists; craftsmen who work with a wheel (potters, spinners); archivists; dying people; educators; girls; jurists; knife sharpeners; lawyers; librarians; libraries; Balliol College; Massey College; maidens; mechanics; millers; milliners; hat-makers; nurses; philosophers; preachers; scholars; schoolchildren; scribes; secretaries; spinsters; stenographers; students; tanners; theologians; University of Oviedo; University of Paris; haberdashers; wheelwrights; Żejtun, Malta; Żurrieq, Malta; Pagbilao, Quezon, Philippines; Carcar City, Cebu, Philippines; and Katerini, Greece.

  • ID# 27-104-026-SP7-7
  • Size 8 3/4 x 7 in (22 x 18 cm)
  • Age ca. 1890s
  • Materials Egg tempera on silvered, tooled, and gessoed wood
  • Price $575
  • Orthodox Cross

Small Russian Icon - St. Panteleimon (Pantaleon), Unmercenary Healer & Greatmartyr

Greatmartyr Panteleimon (or Pantaleon) was the Unmercenary Healer martyred under the reign of Emperor Maximian (ca. 305 A.D.). Saint Panteleimon had been educated as a physician and dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate, and the needy. He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. He visited those held captive in prison. These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds. Saint Panteleimon is venerated in the Orthodox Church as a mighty saint and the protector of soldiers. This aspect of his veneration is derived from his first name Pantaleon, which means “a lion in everything”. His second name, Panteleimon, given him at Baptism, which means “all-merciful,” manifests in the veneration of the martyr as a healer. The connection between these two aspects of the saint is readily apparent in that soldiers, receiving wounds more frequently than others, are more in need of a physician-healer. Christians waging spiritual warfare also have recourse to this saint, asking him to heal their spiritual wounds.

The holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon is invoked in the Mystery of Anointing the Sick, at the Blessing of Water, and in the Prayers for the Sick.

  • ID# 1361-18-169-SP2
  • Size 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches (9 x 7 cm)
  • Age ca. 1890
  • Origin Vladimir region of Russia
  • Materials Egg tempera on gilt, tooled, and gessoed wood
  • Price $475
  • Orthodox Cross

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