1990 Vatican documented reliquary theca with relic of St. Mark of Rome, Soldier & Martyr
Round yellow-metal glass-fronted reliquary theca housing first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Vitalis of Milan. The relic is affixed to a red silk ground and identified in Latin on a typeset cedula label as S. Marcus Miles M. (Saint Mark the Soldier, Martyr). On the back, under a protective cap, the theca is secured with a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Monsignor Petrus Canisius van Lierde († 1995), the Vicar General for the Vatican City State (1951–1991). The reliquary is accompanied by the original matching authentics document issued by the Vicar General of Rome in 1990.
Saint Mark the Soldier (†269), also known as Saint Mark of Rome, was one of fifty Christian soldiers martyred during the persecutions of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. Born in Rome, he lived in a time of intense anti-Christian sentiment but remained steadfast in his faith. In 269, he and his fellow soldiers were arrested for refusing to renounce Christianity and worship Roman gods. Despite enduring brutal torture, they remained resolute and were ultimately executed, likely by beheading. Saint Mark was canonized in pre-Congregation times, and his martyrdom serves as a lasting testament to unwavering faith. His feast day is commemorated on January 11th as a reminder of his courage and sacrifice.
