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Beautiful French Reliquary of Saint Victorie

 

Reference #: jc001

Status: sold

Dimensions:  3 inches by 3 and 7/8 inches

Condition:  Excellent and has never been opened; gold gilt is bright and shiny; inside there are 2 tiny pieces which are loose

Year:  1850-80

Price: $325  sold

Description:  Beautiful French reliquary depicting three hearts; one with a cross atop it, one with a cross through it and one with what appears to be an anchor atop it. These are the everlasting Christian symbols of Faith, Hope and Charity.

The hearts and other decorations are adorned with a bright, shiny gold gilt. The relic has never been opened and is in a fine wooden frame.

Written on paper inside the relic are the words, "Agnus Dei" and "ste Victorie" and "sts Martyrs". Agnus Dei is Latin for Lamb of God. This phrase is often used in invocations or prayers.

Information about St. Victoria: St. Victoria and her sister Anatolia, refused all who courted them.  They were imprisoned and starved by their suitors but persisted in refusing marriage. Anatolia was converted to Christianity and converted many before being denounced for her faith, for which she was tortured and executed at Thora on Lake Velino in Italy.  When Victoria refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, she too was executed.  Their guard was converted by their example and was also martyred. Feast day is December 23rd.