1990 Documented Theca with Relic of St. Serapion of Algiers, Mercedarian Proto-Martyr

Round glass-fronted yellow-metal reliquary theca housing a first-class ex ossibus (“from the bones”) relic of Saint Serapion of Algiers. Displayed against crimson silk, the relic is identified in Latin on a manuscript cedula label: “S. Serapionis M. O. Merc.” (Saint Serapion, Martyr of the Order of Mercy). On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured with a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of the coat of arms of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (commonly known as the Carmelites). Accompanied by the matching authentics document issued in Rome on June 1, 1990, by Father Redemptus Maria Valabek, O.Carm., Postulator General.

Saint Serapion of Algiers (†1240) was a soldier of British origin who participated in the Crusades and the Reconquista before joining the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, commonly known as the Mercedarians. Dedicated to ransoming Christians held captive, he voluntarily remained as a hostage in Algiers when the required ransom could not be obtained. He was cruelly martyred on November 14, 1240, becoming the first Martyr of the Mercedarian Order. His cult was formally confirmed in 1728. His feast day is November 14.