1993 Vatican Documented Theca with Relics of 2 Martyr Popes: St. Lucius I & St. Stephen I
Round glass-fronted yellow-metal reliquary theca with a scalloped openwork border housing first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relics of two early Popes: of Saint Pope Lucius I and Saint Pope Stephen I. The relics are affixed to small white flower-shaped mounts against a deep-red silk ground and identified in Latin on typeset cedulae labels as S. Lucii I. P. M. and S. Steph. I. P. M. (Saint Pope Lucius I, Martyr, and Saint Pope Stephen I, Martyr). On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured by a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vicar General of Rome (1991–2008). The reliquary is accompanied by a matching authentics document issued through the Vicariate of Rome on October 20, 1993, bearing the signature of Bishop Giuseppe Mani, Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, and registration number 486.
Saint Pope Lucius I (†254) governed the Church of Rome from 253 to 254. Exiled shortly after his election during the persecution of Emperor Gallus, he subsequently returned to Rome. He upheld the reconciliation of repentant Christians who had abandoned their faith during persecution, continuing the policy of his predecessor, Saint Pope Cornelius. Traditionally honored as a martyr, his violent death is not historically established. His veneration predates formal beatification and canonization procedures. His feast day is March 5, formerly March 4.
Saint Pope Stephen I (†257) governed the Church of Rome from 254 to 257. He defended the validity of baptism administered outside the Church when properly performed, opposing the rebaptism of converts and entering into controversy with Saint Cyprian of Carthage. His position contributed to the development of Catholic sacramental teaching. Traditionally honored as a martyr, the circumstances of his death remain uncertain. His recognition as a saint predates formal beatification and canonization procedures. His feast day is August 2.
