1834 Large Documented Theca with Relics of St. John the Baptist & 5 Apostles: St. Peter, St. Paul, St. John, St. James the Greater & St. James the Less
Large round glass-fronted silver reliquary theca housing first-class ex ossibus (“from the bones”) relics of Saint Peter the Apostle, Saint Paul the Apostle, Saint James the Greater, Saint James the Less, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist. The Holy relics are displayed against pale rose silk in six individual compartments, surrounded by elaborate radiating gold-and-silver paper filigree, metallic cannetille ornament, and white decorative beads. They are identified in Latin on manuscript cedulae labels as “S. Petri Ap.,” “S. Pauli Ap.,” “S. Jacobi Maj. Ap.,” “S. Jacobi Min. Ap.,” “S. Joan. Bapt.,” and “S. Joan. Ap. E.” (Saint Peter, Apostle // Saint Paul, Apostle // Saint James the Greater, Apostle // Saint James the Less, Apostle // Saint John the Baptist // Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist). On the back, the theca is secured with intact red silk cords and a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of the coat of arms of Archbishop Antonio Luigi Piatti (†1841), Titular Archbishop of Trebizond (1821–1837), Domestic Prelate of His Holiness, Assistant at the Papal Throne, and Vicegerent of Rome (1833–1841). The theca is accompanied by the matching authentics document issued in Rome on January 23, 1834, by Archbishop Piatti. The document identifies the contents as “sacras particulas ex Ossibus” (“sacred particles from the bones”) of the six named saints and records their placement within a round silver theca closed by a single crystal, bound with red silk, and secured with the archbishop’s seal. It bears Piatti’s printed coat of arms, an applied ecclesiastical seal, and the signature of his secretary, Vincenzo Martini.
Saint Peter the Apostle (†c.64) was a Galilean fisherman called by Christ to become one of the Twelve Apostles. Christ gave him the name Peter, meaning “rock,” and entrusted him with a foundational role in the Church. Regarded as the first Bishop of Rome, he was martyred by crucifixion during the persecution of Emperor Nero. Patron of fishermen and the papacy, his feast with Saint Paul is June 29.
Saint Paul the Apostle (†c.67), originally named Saul, was converted following an encounter with the risen Christ while traveling to Damascus. Known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, he undertook extensive missionary journeys and wrote influential epistles preserved in the New Testament. According to tradition, he was beheaded in Rome during the persecution of Emperor Nero. Patron of missionaries, theologians, and evangelists, his feast with Saint Peter is June 29.
Saint James the Greater (†44), son of Zebedee and brother of Saint John the Evangelist, was among the first disciples called by Christ. He witnessed the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. The Acts of the Apostles records his execution by order of Herod Agrippa I, making him the first Apostle to suffer martyrdom. Patron of pilgrims and Spain, he is especially associated with Santiago de Compostela. His feast day is July 25.
Saint James the Less (†c.62), identified in the Gospels as the son of Alphaeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Christ. Christian tradition frequently associates him with James the Just, an important leader of the early Church in Jerusalem and a witness to the Resurrection. He is traditionally believed to have suffered martyrdom in Jerusalem. His feast day, celebrated together with Saint Philip the Apostle, is May 3.
Saint John the Baptist (†c.30), son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, was the prophetic Forerunner who prepared the way for Christ by preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River. He recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God and baptized Him at the beginning of His public ministry. Imprisoned for condemning the unlawful marriage of Herod Antipas, he was beheaded at Herod’s command. His Nativity is celebrated June 24 and his Beheading on August 29.
Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist (†c.100), son of Zebedee and brother of Saint James the Greater, was one of Christ’s closest disciples. Traditionally identified as the beloved disciple, he stood beside the Cross and received the Blessed Virgin Mary into his care. Christian tradition attributes to him the Fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Patron of theologians and writers, he is believed to have died at Ephesus. His feast day is December 27.
