Antique silver multi reliquary Box pendant of Saint Raymond Nonnatus with other 5 relics

Antique silver multi reliquary Box pendant of Saint Raymond Nonnatus with other 5 relics

( S. Raymond Nonnatus )

Spain : 18th century

Size: 7 cm L x 5.5 cm W x 1 cm H

Saint Ramon Nonato ( 1204 - 1240 )

Raymond Nonnatus, O. de M., (1204 – 31 August 1240) is a saint from Catalonia in Spain. His nickname (Latin: Nonnatus, "not born") refers to his birth by Caesarean section, his mother having died while giving birth to him.

According to the traditions of the Mercedarian Order, he was born in the village of Portell (today part of Sant Ramon), in the Diocese of Urgell. He was taken from the womb of his mother after her death, hence his name. Some traditions describe him as the son of the local count, who is traditionally credited as the one to have performed the surgery which saved his life, others that he was born in a family of shepherds. His well-educated father planned a career for his son at the royal court of the Kingdom of Aragon. When the boy felt drawn to religious life, his father ordered him to manage one of the family farms. What is known is that Raymond spent his childhood tending sheep and would often pray at an ancient country chapel nearby dedicated to Saint Nicholas. If he was of aristocratic descent, clearly his father eventually abandoned hopes for his son's social advancement.