Reliquary Of The Holy Apostles – Authentic, By Cardinal Engelbert Sterckx – Mechelen – 19th Century

Reliquary dedicated to the Holy Apostles – authentic piece by Cardinal Engelbert Sterckx – Mechelen, 1849

Authentic “Kiss of Peace” reliquary featuring a remarkable collection of sixteen relics arranged concentrically within a silver frame resting on a brass tripod base.

The set contains relics attributed to the principal Apostles and disciples of the early Church, identified by their handwritten titles:

Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Andrew, Saint James the Greater, Saint John, Saint Thomas, Saint Philip, Saint James the Less, Saint Bartholomew, Saint Matthew, Saint Simon, Saint Jude Thaddeus, Saint Matthias, Saint Barnabas, Saint Luke the Evangelist, and Saint Mark the Evangelist.

The reliquary is accompanied by its authentic original document, printed in Latin and issued in Mechelen in March 1849 by Cardinal Engelbert Sterckx, Archbishop of Mechelen and Primate of Belgium. This document officially confirms the authenticity of the relics, which are described as ex ossibus (bone fragments) of the aforementioned saints.

The reverse side has remained perfectly sealed with its original silk threads and its large red episcopal wax seal, guaranteeing the reliquary’s integrity since its canonical recognition. The seal matches the authentic one on file.

A beautiful devotional object from the mid-19th century, bringing together in a single reliquary all the Apostles, along with Saint Paul, Saint Barnabas, and the evangelists Saint Luke and Saint Mark.

A particularly interesting set, both for its composition and the presence of its original certificate of authenticity.

Dimensions of the reliquary excluding the base: 7 cm x 5.5 cm

Condition:

In very good condition. Original seal intact, with slight signs of wear consistent with its age.
Authentic original preserved with its dry seal and handwritten signatures.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale pertains solely to the reliquary as an object of sacred art. The relics it contains are not part of the transaction but are included as a courtesy due to their historical and cultural value.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or to request more photos of the items offered for sale.