Large Ex-Voto Sacred Heart French Reliquary

“Do not let the past disturb you, just leave everything in the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy.”-- St. Teresa of Calcutta  The Sacred Heart of Jesus is perhaps the most regarded and well known Catholic devotion.  Representing Jesus' physical heart, it is often depicted wrapped in a crown of thorns and is viewed as a symbol of "God's boundless and passionate love for mankind." Made by nuns in 19th century France, this exquisite religious relic features a silk puffy heart wrapped in an metallic gold embroidered crown of thorns and adorned with a cross at the top.  It is framed with another ring of thorns and backed with inky black velvet.  The devotion is secured within a metal and tin frame and encased in domed glass. This piece is unusually large compared to most we have seen. Hailing from the Latin phrase ex-voto suscepto, meaning "from the vow made," ex-votos are often worn or carried as devotional items as well as to give thanks for answered prayers and wishes.  Additiona