Crucifix Reliquary – Roman Catacombs Soil Relic

This silver-tone crucifix is also a reliquary: sealed inside is Terra di Catacombe, soil from the catacombs of Rome, closed by a small screw at the base.

• Size: 1 3/4" (4.5 cm)
• Material: silver-tone metal, stamped "ROMA" on the reverse
• Relic: sealed soil from the sacred ground of the Roman catacombs
• Provenance: acquired from an elderly nun's estate, well preserved
• Blessing: Blessed by Pope Benedict XVI
• Shipping: Ships from Rome, Italy

The catacombs were the burial grounds of Rome's first Christians, dug in the centuries when the faith was still preached in whispers. Carrying a sealed measure of that ground on a rosary or chain places your daily prayer in quiet continuity with the Church of the martyrs.