St Vincent’s Students Discover Ancient Relic Linked to Early Christian Saint

Students at St Vincent’s Secondary School made an amazing discovery today while setting up for their graduation mass, which will take place tomorrow. While moving the school’s altar out of storage, a piece broke off, and a small, dusty box fell out from a hidden compartment inside. Wrapped carefully and covered in dust, the box had a message written in Latin.

With the help of teachers, the message was translated and revealed something incredible: the box contained a relic – a very old and special religious object – belonging to Saint Hilary the Martyr.

Caretaker Dermo and students who discovered the ancient relic.

Who Was Saint Hilary the Martyr?

Saint Hilary the Martyr was an early Christian who lived during the Roman Empire, probably in the 3rd or 4th century AD. He is believed to have come from Aquileia, a city in what is now Italy. Saint Hilary is called a martyr because he was killed for refusing to give up his Christian faith, even when threatened by Roman authorities. Although not much is known about the details of his life and death, he is remembered for his bravery and strong beliefs. His feast day is celebrated on April 9th each year.

St. Hilary the Martyr

The Journey of the Relic

The Latin message explained that the relic was taken from the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome. This catacomb is a famous underground burial place used by early Christians, especially those who were persecuted for their faith. The message also said the relic was officially removed from the catacomb on June 30, 1672, by order of Pope Clement X, who was pope from 1670 to 1676. The box was authenticated again on May 3, 1757, which means it was checked and recorded as genuine at that time.

What Happens Next?

Ms Quinn, the principal of St Vincent’s, was amazed by the discovery. She said, "We never expected to find something so special hidden in our school. This is a wonderful connection to history and faith."

Ms Quinn inspecting the relic that was found inside the school altar.

Ms Quinn is liaising with relevant authorities to ensure the relic is handled safely and respectfully.

Why Is This Important?

Finding a relic like this is very rare. It connects St Vincent’s to a story that began almost two thousand years ago, when early Christians risked their lives for their beliefs. The relic of Saint Hilary the Martyr is a powerful reminder of courage, faith, and the long history of the Christian community.

Everyone at St Vincent’s is looking forward to a graduation mass that will be even more memorable than usual.

The Note in Latin

The Latin note translated.

"The sacred body of Hilary, Martyr.

Not for [public] property. By order of our Lord Pope Clement X, taken from the Cemetery of Priscilla, Via Salaria, on June 30, 1672. With a vessel of blood, with a palm and name engraved in limestone. 3rd day of May, year 1757."

Notes:

• "Sacrum Corpus Hilarii Mart." = The sacred body of Hilary, Martyr.

• "Non. prop." is likely an abbreviation for "non pro publica," meaning not for public property or use.

• "de mandato Sd. me Clementis PP. X." = by order of our Lord Pope Clement X.

• "extractum a Coemeterio Priscillae Via Salaria" = taken from the Cemetery of Priscilla, Via Salaria (a famous catacomb in Rome).

• "Cum vase sanguinis, exculptis in calcina palma et nomine" = with a vessel of blood, with a palm and name engraved in limestone (the palm is a symbol of martyrdom).

• The date at the end is May 3, 1757, which likely refers to when the relic was authenticated or recorded.

Key Facts About the Relic and Saint Hilary:

• Name: Saint Hilary the Martyr (Hilarius, Hilary of Aquileia)

• Lived: 3rd or 4th century AD

• Place Associated: Aquileia (Italy); relic from Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome

• Feast Day: April 9

• Known For: Dying for his Christian faith during Roman persecution

• Relic Extracted: June 30, 1672 (by order of Pope Clement X)

• Relic Authenticated: May 3, 1757