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Details of object number: 137
Title:Relic of St. Emerentiana
Object name:custodial
Description:The relic of St. Emerentiana is kept in a rectangular silver-plated shrine. At the corners are gilded columns consisting of a series of orbs and a rock crystal sphere. Gilded decorative diagonals run across the top, with a rock crystal sphere in the middle and a gilded cross on top.
This reliquary was made in the 1980s at the behest of Abbot Stephan Pamer (†24 September 2001). His coat of arms adorns the left-hand side, while on the right is the coat of arms of the Marienberg Abbey.
The relic can be seen through the bevelled glass on the front of the shrine, which is decorated with delicate monastic work.
The back of the shrine is adorned with a geometric pattern in silvered brass.
This reliquary was made in the 1980s at the behest of Abbot Stephan Pamer (†24 September 2001). His coat of arms adorns the left-hand side, while on the right is the coat of arms of the Marienberg Abbey.
The relic can be seen through the bevelled glass on the front of the shrine, which is decorated with delicate monastic work.
The back of the shrine is adorned with a geometric pattern in silvered brass.
Hist. crit. notes:The veneration of relics is one of the oldest forms of the commemoration of saints and has been documented since the 2nd century A.D.
A special veneration of the relics of martyrs developed in Christianity. In the early Middle Ages these were even believed to have medicinal properties and healing powers. The popular piety of the late Middle Ages, then the Counter-Reformation in the second half of the 16th century, led to a veritable boom in relics: pilgrimages to shrines containing relics became an important profession of faith.
The year 1630 saw the Benedictine Abbey of Marienberg/Monte Maria, located above the village of Mals/Malles, also come into possession of relics. According to tradition, “a large part of the body of St. Emerentiana” was donated to the monastery as a result of a Capuchin mission, since when she has been regarded as the second patroness of the monastery. The relic is kept in the Abbot’s Chapel. On her annual feast day, 23 January, the relic is brought from the Abbot’s Chapel to the altar of the abbey church.
Emerentiana is said to have been a foster sister of St. Agnes. Around 304 A.D. she was martyred by stoning in Rome under the rule of Diocletian. Her remains are said to have been buried in the Church of St. Agnes on the Via Nomentana. She is depicted as a virgin with a palm, lily and stones.
A special veneration of the relics of martyrs developed in Christianity. In the early Middle Ages these were even believed to have medicinal properties and healing powers. The popular piety of the late Middle Ages, then the Counter-Reformation in the second half of the 16th century, led to a veritable boom in relics: pilgrimages to shrines containing relics became an important profession of faith.
The year 1630 saw the Benedictine Abbey of Marienberg/Monte Maria, located above the village of Mals/Malles, also come into possession of relics. According to tradition, “a large part of the body of St. Emerentiana” was donated to the monastery as a result of a Capuchin mission, since when she has been regarded as the second patroness of the monastery. The relic is kept in the Abbot’s Chapel. On her annual feast day, 23 January, the relic is brought from the Abbot’s Chapel to the altar of the abbey church.
Emerentiana is said to have been a foster sister of St. Agnes. Around 304 A.D. she was martyred by stoning in Rome under the rule of Diocletian. Her remains are said to have been buried in the Church of St. Agnes on the Via Nomentana. She is depicted as a virgin with a palm, lily and stones.
Material:Eisen
Messing
Bergkristall
Messing
Bergkristall
Technique:vergoldet
Institution:Marienberg Monastery Museum