Antique Assisi Devotional Herb | Notre-Dame des Anges Convent | Saint Francis & Porziuncola

A rare and evocative piece of 19th-century Catholic devotional history from Assisi, Italy.

This original devotional packet contains preserved botanical fragments identified by the accompanying handwritten French inscription as:

“Herbe provenant du Couvent de N. Dame des Anges à Assise”

— Herb originating from the Convent of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi.

The upper handwritten text further refers to Saint Francis of Assisi and the Chapel of the Porziuncola, the small historic sanctuary preserved within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Inside the original folded paper enclosure are several carefully preserved dried botanical fragments, including leaves and delicate stems. The material has been retained together with its original handwritten identification, giving the piece an unusually personal and documentary character.

This is a beautiful example of the tradition of bringing small devotional souvenirs back from pilgrimage sites associated with the saints. Assisi, and particularly Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Porziuncola, has been one of the most important Franciscan pilgrimage destinations for centuries.

📜 What makes it special

• Assisi, Italy
• Associated by inscription with the Convent of Our Lady of the Angels
• References Saint Francis of Assisi
• References the Porziuncola
• Original handwritten French identification
• Original preserved botanical material
• Historic devotional/pilgrimage object
• Presented in its original folded paper enclosure

Condition

Good antique condition considering its age.

The paper shows natural age toning, foxing, discoloration and handling marks. The botanical material is naturally fragile and dry, with some small fragments and stems. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Approx. size: 11.5 × 9 cm.

Important authenticity note

The botanical material is identified by the original handwritten inscription as coming from the Convent of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi. The individual plant species, exact date of collection and original chain of custody cannot be independently established.

This item is offered as a historical Catholic devotional/pilgrimage object, not as a verified bodily relic of Saint Francis.