If you ever find yourself in Trier, Germany, you will learn an astonishing fact: the cathedral of Trier possesses several ancient relics—and claims to preserve Jesus’ seamless robe among them.
The seamless robe is the garment which the Roman guards gambled over after the crucifixion.
When Constantine’s mother, St. Helen, journeyed to the Holy Land in search of the True Cross, she found not only the Cross but also many other precious artifacts from Our Lord’s time. Several of these artifacts were sent to Rome, while others were taken to one of the Empire’s western capitals—Trier.
Evidence in documents from Trier dating from before the 12th century affirms this tradition. In addition, a 5th-century plaque within the church lists the relics of Trier, numbering the Seamless Robe as one.
The Basilica of St. Denis in Argenteuil, France, also preserves an ancient seamless robe. Argenteuil tradition relates that it was given to Emperor Charlemagne by Irene of Constantinople in 800 A.D. and hidden in a wall during the turbulent centuries that followed.
Trier and Argenteuil both acknowledge the authenticity of the other’s garment, while suggesting that one is the inner garment worn by Jesus during the walk to Calvary and the other His outer mantle.
While we can’t all have a hand in preserving the physical relics of the Church, we do have the honor of preserving her ancient prayers and traditions.
The unique titles of Mary are regarded as sacred in the tradition of the Eastern Catholic Church, and this beautiful icon is made in that rich heritage. This Russian icon beautifully features the Crucifixion alongside four revered Marian images: Theotokos, Our Lady of Sorrows, Virgin of Smolensk, and Seeker of the Perished. Find yours today at The Catholic Company!
