Rare 19th-Century Loreto Relic Certificate | Virgo Lauretana | Original Custodian Attestation

A rare and historically important 19th-century devotional document from the Holy House of Loreto, Italy, bearing an original printed attestation and handwritten signature of the Custode della Santa Casa.

The large-format sheet features a finely engraved image of the Virgo Lauretana — Our Lady of Loreto, surrounded by angels, with the inscription:

VIRGO LAURETANA

Beneath the image is a formal Italian attestation from the Custode della Santa Casa di Loreto.

The document states that the sealed Black Veil (Velo nero) associated with the document was placed upon the sacred Loreto statue on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and was subsequently touched to the Holy Walls of the Santa Casa and the Santa Scodella of the Blessed Virgin, preserved within the Holy House.

This wording corresponds to a well-documented historical tradition at Loreto. Surviving examples from the 18th and 19th centuries use substantially the same formula to certify fragments of the Black Veil distributed to pilgrims as contact relics.

The upper portion retains the remains of the original paper seal, while the lower section bears a handwritten signature of the Custode and a handwritten date which appears to read 1888.

The document is particularly significant because it represents the traditional method by which the Sanctuary of Loreto documented devotional objects connected with the Velo Nero and the sacred objects of the Santa Casa.

A remarkable piece of Italian Catholic history and pilgrimage culture, suitable for collectors of Loreto material, Marian devotional history, Catholic relic documentation and antique religious ephemera.

Details

• Subject: Virgo Lauretana / Our Lady of Loreto
• Location: Loreto, Italy
• Institution: Santa Casa di Loreto
• Document type: Relic attestation / devotional certificate
• Associated relic: Black Veil (Velo nero) of the Loreto tradition
• Language: Italian
• Custodian: Signed by the Custode della Santa Casa
• Date: Apparently 1888 — handwritten, partially difficult to decipher
• Approx. size: 21 × 15 cm
• Original seal: Present, with age-related deterioration
• Image: Engraved/printed Virgo Lauretana
• Period: Late 19th century

Condition

Antique condition with pronounced natural age toning, paper discoloration, folds, edge wear and small losses along the margins. The original paper seal is worn and partially deteriorated. The sheet shows signs of long-term handling and storage consistent with its age.