Rare reliquary containing relic of Saint Francis of Assisi . ( S. Francisci Ass. )

Rare reliquary containing relic of Saint Francis of Assisi . ( S. Francisci Ass. )

Italy  1950s

Size: 2.5 cm Diameter x 4 mm H

Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friarwho 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.

Francis is associated with patronage of animals and the environment. It became customary for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October, which became World Animal Day. Francis was noted for his devotion to the Eucharist. Along with Catherine of Siena, Francis was designated patron saint of Italy. He is also the namesake of the city of San Francisco. 17 September is the feast of Francis' stigmatization.