Saint Mary Magdalene Relic – 1919 Jerusalem Certificate

A historic Catholic relic identified as Saint Mary Magdalene, accompanied by an original ecclesiastical certificate issued in Jerusalem in 1919 under the authority of Philippus Maria Camassei, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The handwritten Latin inscription identifies the relic as S. Mariae Magdalenae, Poenitentis — “Saint Mary Magdalene, the Penitent.” The certificate also contains the phrase ex ossibus, meaning “from the bones.”

The relic is housed in an ornate star-shaped metal reliquary with a glass viewing window, decorative silver-tone detailing, and a red and gold-toned interior. The relic fragment is displayed beneath the original identification label, S. Mariae Mag. The accompanying certificate features an ecclesiastical seal and historical documentation relating to the relic.

Saint Mary Magdalene holds a special place in Christian tradition as a devoted follower of Jesus and the first witness to the Resurrection recorded in the Gospel of John. Often called the “Apostle to the Apostles,” she is venerated throughout the Catholic Church as a powerful example of faith, repentance, and devotion to Christ.

Item Details

• Saint: Saint Mary Magdalene

• Designation in the certificate: Poenitentis — the Penitent

• Relic classification stated in the document: Ex ossibus — from the bones

• Certificate date: 1919; the handwritten date appears to indicate 3 February

• Place of issue: Jerusalem

• Ecclesiastical authority named: Philippus Maria Camassei, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

• Reliquary: Star-shaped metal case with glass viewing window and decorative silver-tone finish

• Approximate width: 4 cm

• Included: The relic in its reliquary and the original accompanying certificate shown in the photographs

Condition

This antique religious object displays signs of age. The certificate has age-related toning, folds, and wear. The reliquary shows wear to its decorative finish and metal surfaces. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Historical Documentation

The relic is identified by its accompanying ecclesiastical certificate and the label inside the reliquary. The certificate uses the phrase ex ossibus. No independent scientific examination has been performed to verify the material or provenance of the relic fragment.

A distinctive historical devotional object for collectors of Catholic relics, antique reliquaries, and ecclesiastical documents.