Reliquary theca with relic of Saint Barnabas, Apostle, Patron saint of the peacemakers

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Barnabas, the Apostle. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as Ex O. /S. Barnabae Apost. (of the bone of Saint Barnabas, the Apostle). On the back, the reliquary is secured by a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint with a coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Milan. 

Saint Barnabas the Apostle, born Joseph on the island of Cyprus and a Levite, was a prominent early Christian disciple called “Son of Consolation” by the Apostles. He sold his land to support the Jerusalem church, introduced St. Paul to the Apostles, and became his missionary companion, preaching in Antioch, Cyprus, and Asia Minor. Tradition holds he was martyred by stoning around 61 in Salamis, Cyprus. He is the patron saint of Cyprus, Antioch, peacemakers, and is invoked against hailstorms. His feast day is commemorated on June 11.