The arrival of the remains and the bejeweled skeleton of Saint Albertus from the Roman Catacombs in 1723 was a source of great excitement for the parishioners of the church of St George in Burgrain, Germany, offering both a tangible connection to the early Christian martyrs and a glimpse of the heavenly treasures that awaited the faithful.
Albertus Magnus, also known as Saint Albert the Great (c. 1200-1280), was a celebrated medieval scholar, theologian, and philosopher. He was a Dominican friar who received an extensive education, becoming a prominent teacher and prolific writer. Albertus made substantial contributions to natural philosophy, delving into subjects like physics, biology, and astronomy.
Paul Koudounaris is a photographer who investigates and documents religious phenomena, specifically church ossuaries, charnel houses, and shrines. His book, “Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs” showcases the bejeweled skeleton of Saint Albertus and other saints from Catholic mysticism in a delightful, must-read photographic journey.
Find out more about the Bejeweled Skeletons of Catholicism here.
Read more about The Church of St. George (Reichenau)
