Vatican reliquary theca with relic of St. Pancras (Pancratius) of Rome, Martyr & patron of children
Round glass-fronted yellow-metal reliquary theca housing the first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Pancras of Rome. The relic is affixed to a red silk ground and identified in Latin on a typeset cedula label as S. Pancratii Mart. (Saint Pancras, Martyr). 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 Monsignor Ugo Poletti, the Vicar General of Rome (1973-1997).
Saint Pancras of Rome (†c. 304), (also known as Pancratius), was a young Christian martyr. Born in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) he was orphaned young and raised by his uncle Dionysius. They moved to Rome, where both converted to Christianity and were baptized. During the Diocletian persecution, the 14-year-old Pancras refused to sacrifice to pagan gods or renounce his faith, even when offered wealth and honors. He boldly defended Christ before authorities and was beheaded on May 12 on the Via Aurelia outside Rome. His body was buried in catacombs, and a basilica (San Pancrazio) was later built over his tomb. He is venerated as patron of children, jobs, and health, with his feast day on May 12.
