Saint Deodatus in Mühldorf: Relic expert saves precious remains!

Saint Deodatus in Mühldorf: Relic expert saves precious remains!

Saint Deodatus: A relic returns to glory

The rare full-body relic of Saint Deodatus is currently being extensively restored in the St. Nicholas Church in Mühldorf. Reinhard Zehntner, a renowned restorer and reliquary maker, has taken on the delicate task of cleaning this centuries-old relic and restoring it to its original condition. Saint Deodatus, displayed in a glass shrine on the Sebastian Altar, has an eventful history that dates back to the catacombs near Rome.

Deodatus not only survived a catacomb collapse, but also the dramatic collapse of the roof of the parish church of St. Nicholas in 1768. The saint's bones were transferred via Salzburg to Mühldorf in 1745, where they have been venerated ever since. However, there were also bizarre events in the care of this relic. In the 1950s, the relic was accidentally cleaned by women who mistook the “holy soil” from the chalice for dirt and threw it away.

Religious treasures and their stories

The relic trade was a flourishing business in the Middle Ages. Like the website habsburger.net Reportedly, the trade in relics was often disguised as donations or theft. The impact of relic veneration was enormous: not only did it strengthen religious identity, but it also attracted pilgrims and economic activity.

However, the search for relics has also raised ethical concerns. The forgeries were widespread, and clerics who knew the value of the relics were often the main players in the trade. Pricing was difficult due to a lack of comparable values ​​and astronomical sums were often asked for relics. An example of this is the fact that the bones of Saint Anthony were valued in gold in the early Middle Ages.

A masterpiece of craftsmanship

Preparing the relic of Saint Deodatus poses a number of challenges for Zehntner. During the renovation process, the relic was kept in the sacristy along with its shrine, where it remained forgotten for a time. Woodworms had infected the shrine, which made nitrogen fumigation necessary. Zehntner, who worked for the Munich Monuments Office for over 40 years and was intensively involved with religious folk art, uses special techniques to clean and restore the relic.

Of particular note are the small beads that decorate the tips of Deodatus's fingers and toes - a unique feature that makes the relic even more valuable. Zehntner learned the art of setting relics from monastery women in Altötting and has since made a name for himself in restoration.

In addition to the restoration, Zehntner also worked on exhibitions and interactive panels in the Mühldorf Museum to make the cult of relics understandable. This deep-rooted tradition shows not only people's beliefs but also a historical connection between worship and economics. At a time when relics continue to exist as cultural artifacts and symbols of identity, the balance between faith and business becomes increasingly important.

In conclusion, the relic of Saint Deodatus is not only a fascinating piece of history, but also provides a glimpse into the complex relationships between spirituality and economic interests in the Middle Ages. The restoration will not only beautify the relic but also help raise awareness about the value and significance of such sacred artifacts.