1800 Documented Theca with Relics of the True Cross, St. Blaise, St. Anthony of Padua; St. Francis of Paola; St. Peter of Alcántara; St. Paschal Baylón & St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Oval glass-fronted silver reliquary theca housing seven sacred relics: a particle from the Wood of the True Cross of Christ and first-class ex ossibus (“from the bones”) relics of six Catholic Saints: Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr; Saint Anthony of Padua; Saint Francis of Paola; Saint Peter of Alcántara; Saint Paschal Baylón; and Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. The Holy relics are displayed against faded rose-colored silk within individual compartments formed by elaborate gilt- and silver-metallic scrollwork and small pearls. The particle of the True Cross occupies the central medallion and is arranged in the form of a cross. The relics are identified in Latin on manuscript cedulae labels as “Lig. Ss. Crucis,” “S. Blasii Ep. M.,” “S. Antonii Patav.,” “S. Francisci de Paula,” “S. Petri de Alcantara,” “S. Paschalis Baylon,” and “S. Aloysii Gonzagae” (Wood of the Most Holy Cross // Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr // Saint Anthony of Padua // Saint Francis of Paola // Saint Peter of Alcántara // Saint Paschal Baylón // Saint Aloysius Gonzaga). On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured with pink silk cords and a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of the coat of arms of Archbishop Giovanni Lercari (†1802), Archbishop of Genoa (1767–1802). The theca is accompanied by the matching authentics document issued by Archbishop Lercari. The document expressly identifies the central particle as Ex Ligno Sanctissimae Crucis D.N.J.C. (“from the Wood of the Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ”) and the six accompanying relics as being ex ossibus (“from the bones”) of the named saints.
The True Cross is the name traditionally given to physical remnants believed to derive from the Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. According to Church tradition, Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the Cross in Jerusalem during her pilgrimage of 326–328. By the mid-fourth century, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem observed that particles of the sacred wood had already been dispersed throughout the Christian world. Numerous small European relics traditionally originated in Constantinople and were distributed among Western churches and monasteries following the Fourth Crusade in 1204.
Saint Blaise (†c.316) was a physician and Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia who suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of the early fourth century. According to tradition, he miraculously saved a child who was choking on a fishbone. This account gave rise to the enduring Catholic blessing of throats on his feast day. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, he is invoked against diseases of the throat. His feast day is February 3.
Saint Anthony of Padua (†1231) was a Portuguese Franciscan friar, theologian, and celebrated preacher. Originally an Augustinian canon, he joined the Order of Friars Minor after encountering the relics of Franciscan Martyrs. His scriptural learning and eloquence earned him the title “Evangelical Doctor.” Pope Gregory IX canonized him in 1232, only one year after his death. Patron of the poor and those seeking lost things, his feast day is June 13.
Saint Francis of Paola (†1507) was an Italian hermit and founder of the Order of Minims, whose name expressed their vocation to humility and littleness. Renowned for his austerity, charity, and prophetic counsel, he spent his final years in France at the request of King Louis XI. Pope Leo X canonized him in 1519. Honored as a patron of mariners and naval officers, his feast day is April 2.
Saint Peter of Alcántara (†1562) was a Spanish Franciscan priest, mystic, and reformer who sought to restore strict poverty and contemplative discipline within the Order of Friars Minor. A gifted preacher and spiritual director, he encouraged Saint Teresa of Ávila in her reform of the Carmelite Order. Pope Clement IX canonized him in 1669. Patron of nocturnal Eucharistic adoration, his Franciscan feast day is October 19.
Saint Paschal Baylón (†1592) was a Spanish shepherd who entered the Franciscan Order as a lay brother. Although possessing little formal education, he became renowned for spiritual wisdom, humility, service to the poor, and profound devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Pope Alexander VIII canonized him in 1690, and Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him patron of Eucharistic congresses and societies in 1897. His feast day is May 17.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (†1591) was an Italian nobleman who renounced his inheritance to enter the Society of Jesus. While studying for the priesthood in Rome, he devoted himself to victims of a severe epidemic, contracted the illness, and died at the age of 23. Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726. He is honored as the patron of Christian youth, students, and caregivers of the seriously ill. His feast day is June 21.