Reliquary theca with relic of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist, patron saint of love & friendships

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist​. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as S. Joannis / Apo. / et Evang. (Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist). 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 John, Apostle and Evangelist, son of Zebedee and brother of St. James, was one of the Twelve Apostles and known as the “Beloved Disciple.” A fisherman by trade, he stood at the foot of the Cross and cared for the Virgin Mary. Traditionally the author of the Fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and Revelation, he preached in Asia Minor and died peacefully in old age at Ephesus around 100 - the only Apostle not martyred. He is the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendships, and authors. His feast day is December 27 in Western Christianity.