Antique Devotional Image of Blessed Valentinus Paquay | Pater Valentinus of Hasselt

A rare and beautifully preserved antique devotional object dedicated to Father Valentinus Paquay of Hasselt, Belgium.

The front contains a small period photographic devotional image of Father Valentinus Paquay, the beloved Franciscan known in Hasselt as Het Heilig Paterke van Hasselt — the “Holy Little Father of Hasselt.”

The reverse bears the original printed identification:

“D.G. Pater VALENTINUS Hasselt”

together with an old red wax seal and an aged paper backing.

Father Valentinus Paquay (1828–1905) was a Belgian Franciscan friar and priest who became widely revered for his ministry as a confessor and spiritual guide in Hasselt. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003.

The small devotional image retains its original aged presentation, including the historic paper label, wax seal and transparent protective covering. Its intimate scale and surviving original identification make it an especially interesting piece for collectors of Catholic devotional history and Belgian religious memorabilia.

Details

• Subject: Father Valentinus Paquay of Hasselt
• Religious tradition: Roman Catholic / Franciscan
• Type: Antique devotional image / religious keepsake
• Front: Period photographic devotional portrait
• Reverse: Original printed identification label
• Inscription: “D.G. Pater VALENTINUS Hasselt”
• Seal: Original red wax seal visible on the reverse
• Materials: Paper, transparent protective covering and decorative border; exact composition unknown
• Approx. size: 3.5 × 3.5 cm
• Period: Early 20th century devotional object; exact date unknown
• Associated place: Hasselt, Belgium
• Condition: Original aged condition

Condition

The object retains its original presentation with aged paper, slight discoloration, surface wear and imperfections to the protective covering. The printed label and red wax seal remain visible.