Reliquary Of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre – Relic With Original Roman Certificate From 1874.

Rare reliquary containing an ex ossibus relic (derived from bone) of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (1748–1783), an emblematic figure of eighteenth-century Catholic piety.

The relic, of notable size for this type of object, measures approximately 1 cm. It is presented in its original reliquary compartment, which remains closed and sealed with red sealing wax. Beneath the relic is its original identification label, bearing the inscription “B. J. Labre”.

The reliquary is accompanied by its original certificate of authenticity, dated Rome, 4 June 1874, written in Latin and signed by François Virili, of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood, at the church of Santa Maria in Trivio, Rome.

A particularly noteworthy feature is the correspondence between the heraldic arms on the wax seal on the reverse of the reliquary and those appearing on both the impressed seal and the embossed seal on the certificate.

Universis et singulis praesentes nostra leteras inspecturis, fidem indubiam facimus atque testatur, qualiter ad majorem omnipotentis Dei glorium, suorumque Sanctorum venerationem, sacras Reliquias ex ossibus B Benedicti Joseph Labre confessoris, collocavimus in theca ex Aurichalco bene clausa, et funiculo rubro serico colligata, ac sigillo nostro in lacca munita, gratisque dono dedimus.

In quorum fidem has literas testimoniales subsignavimus nostroque sigillo impressimus. datum romae apud s mariam in trivio cruciferorum. Die 4 mensis Junii anno 1874.

“To all and each of those who shall examine these present letters, we hereby attest and certify with full confidence that, for the greater glory of Almighty God and the veneration of His saints, we have placed sacred relics derived from the bones of Blessed Benedict Joseph Labre, confessor, in a box made of orichalcum (brass), carefully closed, bound with a red silk cord, and secured with our seal in sealing wax, and that we have given them as a free gift.

In witness whereof, we have signed these letters of authentication and impressed them with our seal.

Given at Rome, at Santa Maria in Trivio, in the care of the Crosiers, on the 4th day of June in the year 1874.”

Born in 1748 in northern France, Benedict Joseph Labre chose a life of radical poverty, prayer and pilgrimage. After several unsuccessful attempts to enter monastic life, he travelled on foot to the great shrines of Europe, living on charity and devoting himself to prayer. He spent the final years of his life in Rome, where he died on 16 April 1783.

His reputation for holiness spread rapidly after his death. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1860 and canonised by Pope Leo XIII in 1881. The reliquary offered here therefore dates from the period of his beatification, before his subsequent canonisation.

Known as the “Saint of the Poor” or the “Beggar of God”, he remains a distinctive figure in Catholic spirituality.

Dimensions: 4.6 × 6.3 cm.

An antique piece intended for collectors of religious art and reliquaries, as well as enthusiasts of ecclesiastical history.

Price excludes shipping costs.

Police register reference: A237

As a professional antiques dealer, I undertake to offer only authentic objects, carefully selected and legally available for sale. Each piece is chosen for its historical, aesthetic or collectible interest and undergoes a thorough examination of its provenance.

Invoice and traceability. Every purchase is accompanied by a detailed invoice and a certificate of authenticity, documenting the object's provenance and ensuring complete transparency.

Legal compliance. All objects comply with the applicable French and European legislation. Any archaeological objects are offered in accordance with the French Heritage Code (Articles L.542-1 et seq.). Objects that may be subject to specific regulations, including cultural property, antiques or particular materials, are sold in strict compliance with the law.

International buyers. Buyers outside France are invited to check the regulations applicable in their own country concerning the importation of cultural property and antiques.

Right of withdrawal. In accordance with French law (Article L.221-18 of the French Consumer Code), you have 14 days from receipt of the item to exercise your right of withdrawal and return it. Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility. The item must be returned in its original condition.

Commitment to quality. Buying from a professional dealer means benefiting from security, transparency and reliability. I remain at your disposal should you require any further information before purchase.