Rare Antique Italian Reliquary 2 Holy Relics St Dominica c1880. It contains 2 relics, the one on the bottom is St dominica, Virgin Martyr and the one on top is unidentify as the name on the paper is faded. The bead work is beautiful! There is a small missing piece on the top left corner of the frame (see photos). Overall in good condition for its age. A true collector piece!
Size: 9" 1/2 x 7" 5/8
About St Dominica: Saint Dominica (also known as Kyriaki or Nedelja) was a 3rd-century Christian virgin and martyr who is remembered for her faith, courage, and miraculous survival before being beheaded under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Born around 287 AD in Tropea, Calabria, Italy (or Anatolia), to Christian parents named Dorotheus and Arsenia. She chose to give her life to Christ and refused marriage. A rejected suitor reported her family as Christians. Her parents were exiled and died for their faith, while Dominica was sent to face trial under heavy torture. She was thrown to wild animals and exposed to fire, but the beasts refused to harm her and she remained unhurt. After her miraculous resistance, she was condemned to death by decapitation on July 6, 303 AD, at roughly 15 or 16 years old.
