Reliquary theca with relic of Saint Thaddeus, Apostle & patron saint of hopeless causes

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Thaddeus the Apostle​. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as Ex Ossibus /S. Thaddeai/ Ap. (of the bone of Saint Thaddeus, 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 Thaddeus, also known as Jude Thaddeus or Judas (not Iscariot), was one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. A relative of Christ - likely a cousin or brother of St. James the Less - he preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Mesopotamia, and Persia after the Resurrection. Tradition credits him with the Epistle of Jude and many miracles. He was martyred around 65, clubbed and beheaded in Persia or Armenia. Venerated as patron saint of hopeless causes and desperate situations. His feast day is commemorated on October 28.