We are entrusted with a 2nd degree relic of St. Martin of Tours. It is part of his dalmatic (part of one of his vestments as a Bishop). It currently can be viewed from the Children’s Chapel, M-F from 10am-3pm.
The relic itself is about a quarter inch square (red cloth on the yellow circle). The ‘S’ stands for Saint, ‘E’ stands for Episcopus (Bishop), ‘C’ stands for Confessor (a Saint who may have been persecuted, but not martyred), and ‘Tu’ is for ‘Turon’, the Latin word for Tours.
Document is in Latin and translated, it basically says those who sign this letter (document) give testimony that the relic is authentic and may be venerated for the Glory of God the Almighty. The relic is a piece of the dalmatic worn by Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours, and Confessor.
The holy relic is red in color, well-wrapped and secured with silk thread, protected with a glass case and sealed with the seal of God. It may be passed on (handed down?) for public veneration for those living outside of Rome.
However, we advise (warn, actually) that the relic may not be sold or changed now or in the future,
Signed and sealed in Rome April 6, 1957.
THE LATIN on the Document
Universis et singulis praesentes litteras inspecturis fidem facimus ac testamur, quod Nos ad maiorem omnipotentis Dei gloriam suorumque Sanctorum venerationem recognovimus sacras particulas ex dalmatica S Martinini Ep. Turon C. quas ex authenticis locis extractas reverenter collocavimus in theca arg. rot. forma crystallo munita, bene clausa et funiculo serico coloris rubri colligata, ac sigillo nostro signata, easque tradidimus cum facultate apud se retinendi, extra Urbem transmittendi et publicae fidelium venerationi exponendi. Monemus autem fidelis in quorum manus hae sacrae reliquiae nunc vel in posterum venturae sunt, nullo modo licere eas vendere, neque cum iis rebus quae mercimonii speciem praeseferant, commutare. In quorum fidem has litteras testimonialis a Nobis seu ab Exc.mo Vicesgerente subscriptas nostroque sigillo firmatas per infrascriptum Sacrarum Reliquiarum custodem expediri mandavimus. Romae, ex Aedibus nostris die VI mensis Aprilis Anni MCMLVII.