Antique, Italian 19th century, brass reliquary with 3 relics:

Antique, Italian 19th century, brass reliquary with 3 relics:

- Saint Francis of Assisi

- Saint Fortunate Martyr

- Saint Cast Martyr

Size : 3.5 cm L x 2.8 cm W x 1 cm H

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty, he became a beggar and an itinerant preacher.

One of the most venerated figures in Christianity,  Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 16 July 1228. He is commonly portrayed wearing a brown habit with a rope tied around his waist, featuring three knots symbolizing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

SAINT FORTUNATE MARTYR

At Caesarea, in Palestine, St. Fortunata, virgin and martyr, during the persecution of Diocletian. After having been subjected to the rack, to fire, to the teeth of beasts and other torments, she gave up her soul to God. Her body was afterwards conveyed to Naples, in Campania.

Fortunata of Caesarea was Sister of Saint Carponius of Caesarea, Saint Priscianus of Caesarea and Saint Evaristus of Caesarea.

SAINT CASTULUS MARTYR

Castulus (died 286) is venerated as a martyr and saint. According to tradition, he was the chamberlain (or officer, valet) of Emperor Diocletian and the husband of Irene of Rome.

Castulus was tortured and executed by being buried alive in a sand pit on the Via Labicana. According to tradition, Irene subsequently buried the body. She was later martyred herself, around 288 AD.