Antique Relic Card of Saint Francis of Assisi | Leaves from the Miraculous Rose Garden | Assisi

A charming antique Catholic devotional relic card associated with Saint Francis of Assisi and the Miraculous Rose Garden at Santa Maria degli Angeli, near Assisi, Italy.

The original Italian inscription reads:

“Foglie del miracoloso Roseto
di San Francesco
in S. Maria degli Angeli
presso Assisi”

— “Leaves from the Miraculous Rose Garden of Saint Francis at Santa Maria degli Angeli near Assisi.”

The accompanying text recounts the traditional Franciscan story that, during a moment of temptation, Saint Francis threw himself into a thorn bush. According to the tradition, the thorns miraculously became roses, giving rise to the celebrated Rose Garden of Saint Francis.

This type of small devotional presentation was produced as a religious souvenir associated with the Franciscan sanctuary and the Porziuncola / Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi. Historical collecting sources specifically document devotional cards containing leaves from the Miraculous Rose Garden.

The card retains its original typography, decorative border and naturally aged paper, with warm discoloration and small signs of handling consistent with its age.

A beautiful little piece of Franciscan devotional history and Assisi pilgrimage memorabilia.

Details

• Saint: Saint Francis of Assisi
• Location: Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi, Italy
• Associated site: Miraculous Rose Garden / Roseto di San Francesco
• Type: Antique devotional relic card / pilgrimage souvenir
• Language: Italian
• Approx. size: 6.8 × 4.0 cm
• Material: Paper
• Period: Antique/vintage; exact date unknown
• Condition: Original aged condition with natural discoloration, foxing and minor edge wear