Relative's Relic

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canadaman

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Hello,

I have an old Relic left by a family member who passed away decades ago. He studied to become a Catholic Priest in Rome during the 1950’s, before he came to North America. I have no paperwork with this Relic, and am curious as to what it actually is?

It is a small, about 1.5 inches in diameter. It is gold, and has a small, thumb-sized centre. This centre is about a one third inch deep, and is covered with glass. Beneath the glass is a red background. On this is a small white paper reading “S. Pii X P. C.” Above this writing, under the glass, is a small green circle with something, I’m not sure what, stuck to it. This entire glass-covered case is surrounded by an intricate gold design. It is very “wirey” and light, with detailed swirls and it is in the shape of a condensed, thick cross.

On the back is a small loop, as though to hang this from a necklace. Also, there is a tiny engraving on the back reading “800”. Also, there appears to be a faint engraving of an “N,” but not beside the “800”.

This has been in the family for generations. Everybody believes it was left by this relative, as a reminder of his time in Rome, but other than that, it is a complete mystery.

If anyone has any ideas as to what this could be, I would greatly appreciate it.
 
My guess is "Pope Saint Pius the tenth. “800” may be the century it is from?
 
It seems likely that it is a Relic of Pope St. Pius X, (who was canonised in 1954 which would fit with the history) The’N’ is more likely a makers mark/hallmark or the place of origin(such as naples/napoli) of the reliquary. Although 800 is usually associated with silver rather than gold(indicating at least 80% silver content) Italians are a law unto themselves so it may indeed be gold. A picture would be very helpful in order to tell you more.
 
Thanks to the wonders of the day, you can google professors in colleges and universities that specialize in reliquaries.

Then just do an email in batches to the top ones in the field. You would be surprised how many professors, even those famous in their field, are more than happy to examine pics sent over the internet and give you their opinion. I’ve had great success with this kind of research, and am always surprised how many “big shots” will take the time to help out someone with an interesting question.

Be sure to take a good close-up picture with no extraneous background . You’ll need to use good lighting, not flash, and a macro setting on your camera. A tripod helps, but you can also just prop the camera on a book or something and use the timer to get absolutely no shake.

The relic sounds lovely - I’m so jealous!!!
 
Please keep up posted. I think many of us would love to hear what you find out!
 
to Regina Love; the number 800 does not refer to the century. The reason is that Pius X was Pope at the beginning of the 1900’s and could not provide a “relic” prior to his life. Make sense?

I’m guessing that it may be the 800th Pius X relic issued.
 
canadaman said:
It is a small, about 1.5 inches in diameter. It is gold, and has a small, thumb-sized centre. This centre is about a one third inch deep, and is covered with glass. Beneath the glass is a red background. On this is a small white paper reading “S. Pii X P. C.” Above this writing, under the glass, is a small green circle with something, I’m not sure what, stuck to it. This entire glass-covered case is surrounded by an intricate gold design. It is very “wirey” and light, with detailed swirls and it is in the shape of a condensed, thick cross.
Click to expand...
I can’t tell you much about it, but I suppose you will be interested to learn that the “P. C.” stands for “Pontificis [et] Confessoris.” Thus the inscription means “[of] St. Pius X, Pope [and] Confessor.” (“Confessor” in this sense is a general term for a saint who is not a martyr; it has nothing to do with the sacrament of confession.)
 
I just looked at my own precious first class relic of Pope St. Pius X that I got many years ago from the Vatican (the prelate that sent me many relics is now deceased). Mine says: S. Pii Pp. X, C.
 
Click on post reply, and on the toolbar beside the smiley face you will see a paperclip, click on it, and it will give you the option to upload a file.
 
I think since the OP has a trial membership, he is not allowed to post pictures yet. Perhaps you can load the pics to photobucket and provide a link? Or maybe you can private message one of us oldies and we’ll give you our email to send it to and we can post it for you?
 
I’m so very sorry to ask a question on this thread, but I’m certain someone here will know a quick answer…

In regards to 2nd class relics, can they be worn?

Please forgive my ignorance…:o
 
Bix said:
I’m so very sorry to ask a question on this thread, but I’m certain someone here will know a quick answer…

In regards to 2nd class relics, can they be worn?

Please forgive my ignorance…:o
Click to expand...
Do you have a second class relic in a locket? Most second class relics are either in a container like first class relics or on a prayer card. I do have some that I got in the sixties that are in a small bag with a loop on top that look like they could be attached to something and worn.

But in answer to your question, I would say yes.
 
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