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From the former collection of a 20th century French Archbishop, I offer here a very rare authentic relic of St. Francis Assisi, a relic of his “hair shirt” which was worn against his bare skin as a form of penance.
In the Middle Ages, some saints and other devout Christians wore hair shirts (cilices)—coarse garments made from animal hair—typically goat - as acts of penance, humility, and self-denial.
Y to he fact that this is a relic of St.Francis’ hair shirt is doubly important as his hair shirt played an important and central role in the story of St.Francis before he left his wealthy father’s house under not so happy circumstances.
In the spring of 1206, Saint Francis’s wealthy father, Pietro Bernardone, dragged him before the Bishop of Assisi in a public trial. Furious that his son was giving away family money to rebuild churches, Pietro demanded the return of his funds and a total renunciation of Francis's inheritance.
Francis readily returned the money, but then went a dramatic step further.
In front of the stunned crowd, he stripped off all his fine clothing and threw them at his father's feet.
Beneath his expensive garments, Francis was revealed to be wearing a rough, itchy hair shirt directly against his skin, proving his secret commitment to a life of penance.
Removing even the hair-shirt, Francis stood completely naked, and declared that he no longer considered Pietro his father, saying, "From now on I desire to say only: Our Father, who art in heaven."
Moved by his piety, the Bishop rushed forward and wrapped Francis in his own cloak, formally taking him under the protection of the Church. Leaving his expensive clothes, Francis picked up his coarse hair shirt walked out into the hills, penniless but entirely free.
The relic is labeled in Latin:
“Ex Cilitae S. Franc. Ass.”
Translated as “from the Hair Shirt of Saint Francis of Assisi”.
When the back cover is removed, the red wax seal and intact silk threads are exposed.
The relic is sealed with a red wax seal on which is impressed the coat of arms of one of the most famous churchmen of the mid 1800’s, Cardinal Patrizio Naro, the powerful right hand man of two Popes, the Vicar General of the Vatican for 20+ years and leader of the powerful Roman Curea.
As Vicar General, Cardinal Patrizi was also the Custodian of Relics for the Vatican.
Many experts feel that “Cardinal Patrizi Naro” relics, bearing the seal of Cardinal Naro, is the gold standard….there is no doubt that the relic is authentic...having been taken from the Vatican’s collection of relics itself, the Sacred Reliquarium. Naro relics are typically all about the relic and not the design…
Profile: Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro (1798–1876)
* Role in Rome (circa 1860): He was one of the most influential figures in the Roman Curia during this turbulent period. In 1860, Pope Pius IX appointed him as the Secretary of the Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition (the Holy Office)
* Vicar General of Rome: He served as the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome for over three decades (1841–1876), managing the daily ecclesiastical governance of the city.
* Dean of the College of Cardinals: He eventually rose to become the Dean of the College of Cardinals in 1870.
* Head of The Lipsanotheca
(The Vicariate Relic Office aka Reliquarium)
The official, historical office responsible for authenticating and keeping the Vatican's vast archive of sacred relics is the Lipsano Theca (or Lipsanoteca in Italian). This specialized repository is managed under the Vicariate of Rome and contains thousands of meticulously cataloged fragments of saints' bones, clothing, and items associated with biblical history.
The term originates from Late Latin, which adopted it from two Ancient Greek words:
• Leipsanon (λείψανον) – meaning "relics" or "remains" (literally "that which is left behind").
• Theke (θήκη) – meaning "case", "box", or "receptacle".
Literally translated, it means a "storehouse for relics."
Measurements
Reliquary - 1” x 1 1/4” x 1/4”
Lucite Display 1 1/2 x 1 1/2”
This Relic, as well as many of the other relics I am planning on listing this month were once part of a beloved 20th century French archbishop’s private collection… It has been in my collection for over 25 years. And all that time I have never seen another Relic of Saint Francis‘s hair shirt.
I will provide the Relic’s new custodian with the archbishop’s photo, biography, and coat of arms.
assisi
The year 2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, who passed away on October 3, 1226. [1]
The 800th Anniversary and Jubilee
* Historic Milestone: The global Catholic Church and the Franciscan family are observing the eighth centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis (his passing or transition from earthly life to heaven).
* Special Jubilee Year: Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS running from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.
* Plenary Indulgence: During this jubilee year, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence by fulfilling usual conditions and visiting a Franciscan church or shrine.
* Celebrations in Assisi: Central commemorative events took place in Assisi, Italy, on October 3–4, 2026, drawing thousands of pilgrims, regional leaders, and national figures like President Sergio Mattarella.
Legacy of Saint Francis
* Founding Orders: He founded the Friars Minor and inspired the creation of the Poor Clares and the Lay Third Order.
* Core Message: His life of radical poverty, humility, and peace continues to call the modern world toward the simplicity of the Gospel and care for creation.
Shop with confidence! I have been an seller for 28 years! A satisfied customer is my number one priority!
This is an object of Roman Catholic devotion and contains a relic of Saint Francis of Assisi, which consists of goat hairs taken from his hair shirt used for penance on a red silk background in a metal and glass container.
I am more more concerned with the sheer number of counterfeit relics being offered for sale on the Internet. As. A Relic and Relic query specialist, I am more than happy to offer my advice as to a relics authenticity… Simply send me the item number, and I will have a look and offer my humble opinion.
That being said, be careful buying relics online.
** Please note… This listing is for the Relic of Saint Francis and it’s display stand. Any other objects pictured are for informational purposes only and are not part of this listing.
