Offering for sale a rare to find ornate reliquary of 

beloved Marguerite Marie Alacoque 

or Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque 

(22 July 1647 – 17 October 1690).

 I believe the reliquary to be dated possibly as early as the 1860's. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was beatified in 1864 and canonized in 1920 May 13 by then Pope Benedict XV. On the back of the reliquary is a seal from the Monastery of the Visitation. The history of this Saint is very interesting, she was healed of a crippling disorder during a vision of the blessed Virgin Mary, during which she gave her life to God. After receiving a vision of Christ she joined the Order of the Visitation in 1671. In 1675 she received a visitation from Jesus when He gave her 12 promises to her and those who practice devotion to His Sacred Heart, this became a widespread devotion and continues today among devout Catholics and other Christians. She has become one of the most popular of the female Catholic Saints; and her life has become an inspiration for many to convert. Her incorrupt body currently rests under the altar in the chapel at Paray-le-Monial, and many striking blessings have been claimed by pilgrims attracted there from all parts of the world.

The relic lies on a regal red background above her name, which is cased in a reliquary of gold tone metal with the top bordered with diamond rhinestone jewels. The relic is under glass. The back of this reliquary can be removed to show the red wax seal from the Monastery of the Visitation, with threads intact. There is a tiny loop on the top if one wished to suspend this from a cord for display. This beautiful piece measures 3cm by 2. 1/2cm oval and approximately 1cm thick. It is in very very good condition with no damage and very little wear. This piece is from France; where most of the finest reliquary were prepared by Nuns and Religious Sisters 

for dispensation to the clergy and faithful.

God bless.