Framed reliquary, gilt and silver-tone metal chalice with oval aperture, housing a relic of Sainte Genevieve of Paris

2nd class relic of Metallic thread embroidery from tunic , red wax seal with Cardinal Archbishop's coat of arms, overall: approximately 19"h, 15.5"w, 5.5lbs

Reliquary in generally good condition in items of this Age

Some wear and chipping of gilt on Frame

St. Genevieve was a  peasant girl who was born around 422 in Nanterre, France. When Genevieve was seven years old; St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre visited Nanterre on his way to Britain.  The young Genevieve stood amid a crowd that had gathered around the man of God who then singled her out and foretold her future sanctity.

Encouraged by Germanus, Genevieve dedicated her life to prayer, practices of devotion and acts of penance. When she was only 15 years old, she met with the Bishop of Paris and asked to become a nun.  The signs of the working of the Holy Spirit accompanying this young woman included miracles and spiritually inspired predictions. She frequently had visions of heavenly angels and saints. However, when she shared those visions and experiences of the Lord,  the people began to turn against her. They called her a hypocrite and accused her of being a false visionary.  However, the Bishop Germanus intervened and silenced those who were accusing her of false statements and persecuting her.

When Attila and his army of Huns came upon Paris, the Parisian Christians were prepared to run, but Genevieve spoke to them and convinced them to stay within their homes, fast and pray to the Lord. She assured them they would have the protection of Heaven. Her prediction came true as Attila suddenly changed his path and turned away from Paris.

Genevieve died at 89 years old on January 3, 512. Shortly after she was buried, the people built a small church over her tomb. Although her tomb remains there and can still be seen today, it is empty.

Paris experienced proof of Genevieve's intercession on many occasions. The most famous occurrence was the miracle of Des Ardens, or the burning fever. In 1129, a violent fever swept through the city, and doctors couldn't stop the people from dying. The shrine of Genevieve was carried in a procession to the cathedral, and during the ceremony, those who touched her shrine were healed by the power of the Lord. Throughout the whole town, no one else became sick, all the ill recovered and only three people died.

Pope Innocent visited the city the following year and asked that an annual festival be held in commemoration of the miracle every year on November 26. St. Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris. Her feast day is celebrated on January 3.

Item originally purchased from one of the pre-eminent auction houses in the US....Austin Auction Gallery