1808 Documented Theca with Relics of 7 Saints: St. Joseph, St. Placidus, St. Benedict of Nursia, St. Maurus, St. Scholastica, St. Frances of Rome & St. Crispin of Viterbo
Oval glass-fronted silvered-brass reliquary theca housing seven Holy relics: an ex pallio (“from the cloak”) relic of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary; first-class ex ossibus (“from the bones”) relics of Saint Placidus, Monk and Martyr, Saint Benedict of Nursia, Abbot, Saint Maurus, Abbot, and Saint Scholastica, Virgin; a first-class ex praecordis (“from the heart or internal organs”) relic of Saint Frances of Rome; and a first-class ex carne (“from the flesh”) pre-canonization relic of Saint Crispin of Viterbo. The Holy relics are displayed against crimson silk in seven individual compartments, surrounded by gold paperolle and silver cannetille ornament. They are identified in Latin on typeset cedulae labels as “S. Josephi Sp. B.V.M.,” “S. Placidi Mon. M.,” “S. Benedicti Abb.,” “S. Mauri Abb.,” “S. Scholasticae V.,” “S. Franciscae Rom.,” and “B. Crispini a Viterb.” (Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary // Saint Placidus, Monk and Martyr // Saint Benedict, Abbot // Saint Maurus, Abbot // Saint Scholastica, Virgin // Saint Frances of Rome // Blessed Crispin of Viterbo). On the back, under the removable protective cap, the theca is secured with red silk cords and a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of the coat of arms of Cardinal Giulio Maria della Somaglia (†1830), Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome (1801–1814), and Vicar General of His Holiness for Rome (1795–1818). The theca is accompanied by the matching authentics document issued in Rome on May 13, 1808, by Cardinal della Somaglia.
Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and earthly guardian of Jesus Christ (†1st century), is honored for his obedience, humility, and faithful protection of the Holy Family. A carpenter by trade, he is invoked as the Patron of the Universal Church, fathers, workers, families, and those seeking a happy death. His principal feast is March 19; the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker is May 1.
Saint Placidus (†c.541) was a young Roman nobleman entrusted to Saint Benedict at Subiaco and became one of his earliest disciples. Saint Gregory the Great recounts that Placidus was miraculously rescued from drowning through the obedience of Saint Maurus. Later tradition associates him with the establishment of Benedictine life in Sicily and martyrdom there with his companions. Identified on the cedula as a Monk and Martyr, he is commemorated on October 5.
Saint Benedict of Nursia (†547) was an Italian monk, Abbot, and founder of Western monasticism. After embracing the solitary life, he established communities at Subiaco and later founded the celebrated abbey of Monte Cassino. His Rule, balancing prayer, spiritual reading, communal discipline, and manual labor, became foundational to European monastic life. Proclaimed Patron of Europe in 1964, he is commemorated on July 11.
Saint Maurus (†584) was one of the earliest and most trusted disciples of Saint Benedict. According to Saint Gregory the Great, his prompt obedience enabled him to walk upon the water and rescue the young Saint Placidus from drowning. Later Benedictine tradition associates him with the establishment of monastic life in Gaul. Revered as a model of obedience and monastic discipline, he is traditionally commemorated with Saint Placidus on October 5.
Saint Scholastica (†c.543), traditionally regarded as the twin sister of Saint Benedict, consecrated her life to God and became the spiritual mother of Benedictine women. Saint Gregory the Great recounts her final meeting with her brother, during which her fervent prayer brought a storm that prolonged their conversation about the spiritual life. Honored as a patron of Benedictine nuns and religious women, her feast day is February 10.
Saint Frances of Rome (†1440) was a Roman wife, mother, mystic, and charitable servant of the poor. During periods of famine and warfare, she transformed her household into a center for feeding and nursing the needy. She founded the Oblates of Mary at Tor de’ Specchi, combining contemplative prayer with active service. Canonized by Pope Paul V on May 29, 1608, she is honored as the Patron of motorists. Her feast day is March 9.
Saint Crispin of Viterbo, O.F.M. Cap. (†1750), born Pietro Fioretti, was an Italian Capuchin lay brother known for his joyful humility, Marian devotion, and service to the sick and poor. For approximately forty years he served as a questor, collecting alms while offering spiritual counsel to people of every social rank. Beatified by Pope Pius VII on September 7, 1806, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 20, 1982. His feast day is May 19.