1993 Vatican Documented Theca with Relics of 2 Popes: St. Fabian & St. Cornelius, Popes & Martyrs

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 Fabian and Saint Pope Cornelius. 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. Fabiani P. M. and S. Cornelii P. M. (Saint Pope Fabian, Martyr, and Saint Pope Cornelius, 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 Fabian (†250) governed the Church of Rome from 236 to 250. His pontificate strengthened the organization of the Roman Christian community and its charitable ministry. He became one of the first victims of Emperor Decius’s persecution and was buried in the Crypt of the Popes in the Catacombs of Saint Callistus. Venerated as a martyr since antiquity, his recognition as a saint predates formal beatification and canonization procedures. His feast day is January 20.

Saint Pope Cornelius (†253) governed the Church of Rome from 251 to 253. Supported by Saint Cyprian of Carthage, he defended the reconciliation of Christians who had abandoned their faith during persecution, allowing their return after repentance and penance. His position brought him into conflict with Novatian and his followers. Exiled to Centumcellae, now Civitavecchia, he died there and was venerated as a martyr. His sainthood predates formal beatification and canonization procedures. His feast day is September 16.