Reliquary theca with relics of St. Macarius the Great, St. Joseph of Leonessa, St. Philip Neri, St. Pelegrine Latiosi, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Barbatus of Benevento
Oval glass-fronted brass reliquary theca housing relics of five Saints centered around a sizable relic of St. Macarius the Great: St. Joseph of Leonessa, St. Philip Neri, St. Pelegrine Latiosi, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, and Barbatus of Benevento. The relics are affixed to a red silk ground surrounded by silver wire and gilt paperolle ornamentation and identified in Latin on a manuscript cedulae labels. On the back, under the protective cap, the theca is secured with a seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Fr. Antonio Cantoni (†1781), Bishop of Faenza, Italy (1742–1767) and Archbishop of Ravenna, Italy (1767–1781).
Saint Macarius the Great (also Macarius of Egypt or Macarius the Elder)(†391) was an Egyptian monk, hermit, and one of the foremost Desert Fathers. Born in Lower Egypt, he married young at his parents' wish but was soon widowed. This prompted him to embrace asceticism, caring for his parents before retiring to the desert. A disciple of Saint Anthony the Great, he lived as a hermit for about 60 years, founding monastic communities, performing miracles, healing the sick, and offering profound spiritual teachings. Exiled briefly under Arian persecution, he opposed heresy and influenced Eastern monasticism. He died at age 90, after visions of Saints Anthony and Pachomius foretelling his departure. He is venerated in Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions and his Feast Day is commemorated on January 15 (Western) or January 19 (Eastern).
Saint Joseph of Leonessa, O.F.M. Cap., (Italian: Giuseppe da Leonessa) (†1612) is a saint of the Catholic Church and a Capuchin monk who preached to the poor and reconciled feuding families as well as warring cities which had been at odds for years. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746. His feast day is kept on February 4, within the Franciscan Order.
Saint Philip Neri, (Italian: Filippo Romolo Neri; † 1595), known as the Apostle of Rome, was an Italian priest noted for founding a society of secular clergy called the Congregation of the Oratory of Filippo Neri. Patron of Rome, Mandaluyong, US Special Forces, Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, laughter, humor, and joy.
Saint Peregrine Laziosi O.S.M. (Pellegrino Latiosi) (†1345) is an Italian saint of the Servite Order (Friar Order Servants of Mary) who afflicted his body with various forms of mortification and, as a result, at the age of sixty, suffered from varicose veins degenerated into cancer of the right leg. His condition deteriorated to the point that a physician decided to amputate the leg. The night before the surgery Peregrine dragged himself before the crucifix in the chapter room. There he became drowsy and seemed to see Jesus descend from the cross to heal his leg. The following day, the doctor arrived to perform the amputation but could find no sign of the cancer, or even of a wound. He was so shocked that he spread the news of the miracle throughout the town. Saint Peregrine’s body rests in the Servite church of Forlì, the Basilica of Saint Pellegrino Laziosi. Pope Paul V declared him blessed in 1609 and Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726. The liturgical feast of Saint Peregrine is on May 4. He is the patron saint for persons suffering from cancer, AIDS, or other illness.
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, O.F.M. Cap. (†1622) was a Capuchin friar who was a major figure in the Counter-Reformation, and was murdered by his opponents at Seewis in Prättigau, now part of Switzerland. Fidelis was canonized in 1746. His Feast day is celebrated on April 24.
Saint Gregory Barbarigo (†1697) was an Italian cardinal and bishop. Born to a noble family, he served as a diplomat for the Republic of Venice before entering the priesthood. Appointed Bishop of Bergamo iand later Bishop of Padua, he implemented Trent's reforms: establishing seminaries, promoting catechesis, aiding the poor, and fostering clerical education. A model of pastoral zeal, he was appointed cardinal by Alexander VII in 1660. He was beatified 1761, canonized 1960 by John XXIII. His Feast Day is commemorated on June 18, and he is considered a Holy Patron of seminaries.