Document for Relic
of
St. Ignatius Loyola
This is a closeup of the
document, commonly referred to as an "authentic".
Given the abuses that occurred
with relics during the Middle Ages, the Council of Trent decreed that all
relics must be accompanied by such a document. While typically written
in latin, it was not a requirement. It is not unusual to find them written
in french, spanish, and in the case of some more recent american relics,
english.
While the exact wording
may vary slightly, the basic form is the same for all.
An english translation of
the latin for this particular authentic is provided below.
(our thanks to Quintus'
Latin Transalation Service )
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Clemens by the mercy of God Bishop of Velletri
His Reverend Eminence Cardinal Micara
Vicar General of the Roman Curia of our most Holy Lord the Pope,
and engaged as his Ordinary Judge etc.
We assure and bear witness to all those who will jointly and singly inspect
the present document that, for the greater glory of Almighty God and the
veneration of His Saints, we have acknowledged that these holy particles
are from the Bones of St. Ignatius Loyola,
which we have taken from their authentic place and reverently placed
in a case in the shape of a silver circle, decorated
with crystal, firmly closed and bound with a silk ribbon of a red colour,
and signed with our seal, and that we have handed them over with permission
to keep for oneself, to take outside the City, and to expose for the public
veneration of the faithful. However we remind the faithful into whose hands
these sacred relics have now come, or will come in future, that they may
on no account sell them nor exchange them for articles which are intended
to be traded.
As proof of this we have issued instructions that this testimonial document,
signed below by Ourselves or by my most excellent Deputy, and confirmed
by our seal, should be made ready by the below signed Guardian of Holy
Relics.
Rome, from our House on the 30th day of the month
of December in the year 1964.
[two signatures]
Registration No. 1975
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