Reliquary

Author: Bento de Antas

Date: 1664

Material: Gilt silver

Dimensions (cm): H 41,1 x W 19

Inscription: ESTA RELIQVIA HE DS TO(R)CATO D(I)SIPULO D(O) SAMTIAQO APOSLO CVIO CORPO SE C(H)OVINTEIRO + DD(I)OQOLOBO D(A) SILVRª IN D (I) QNO PRIOR DESTA REAL COLEGIADA DE N SRA D(A) OLIVEIRA DEV ESTA COSTODIA ANNO 1664

Provenance: Guimarães, Colegiada de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

Inventory No.: MAS O 26

 

This reliquary has a circular base decorated with cartouches. The upper section of the baluster stem finishes in three raised rings. The monstrance is oval and has glass on both faces, surrounded by frames, where there’s an engraved inscription. It is topped by a cross. The inscription identifies the content, the donor and the date of the donation of the reliquary.

This reliquary was commissioned in 1664 by the prior Dom Diogo Lobo da Silveira to keep the relic of Saint Torcato. The prior was thus seeking to protect one of the most important spiritual treasures of the Colegiada de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.

The relic of Saint Torcato was probably removed from the body of the saint by the school-master of the Collegiate Church, Doctor Rui Gomes Golias. When he died, the bone of the heel was offered by his three nieces to the Collegiate Church.

 

Updated and free translation of the inscription: This relic belongs to Torcato, disciple of Saint James the Apostle, whose body was found complete. Diogo Lobo da Silveira, noteworthy prior of this royal Colegiada de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, gave this monstrance in the year 1664.