Reliquary theca with relic of St. Modestinus, Martyr of Avellino

Back

Oval glass-fronted brass pendant reliquary theca housing the first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Modestinus. The relic is affixed to a red silk ground surrounded by gilt paperolle ornamentation and identified in Latin on a manuscript cedula label as S. Modestine M. (Saint Modestinus, Martyr). On the back, the theca is secured with a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint with a coat of arms of Fr. Antonio Cantoni (†1781), Bishop of Faenza, Italy (1742–1767) and Archbishop of Ravenna, Italy (1767–1781).

Saint Modestinus (†311), born in Antioch to a noble family, was consecrated Bishop of Antioch in 302. During Diocletian’s persecution, he retreated to a hermitage on Mount Silpio but returned in 310 to preach and perform miracles. With priest Fiorentinus and deacon Flavianus, he evangelized in Italy, converting thousands near Avellino. Arrested and tortured, they were freed by Archangel Michael. Martyred in 311 by burning in red-hot robes, Modestinus is venerated as Avellino’s co-patron, with feasts on February 14, June 10, and August 13.

Additional info

ID#:

91-RSCR124-7

Size:

27 x 22 mm

Age:

ca. middle of the 18th century

Origin:

Faenza, Italy

Materials:

brass, crystal, silk, paper, Spanish wax

Price:

$675

Additional Images of this Item