The chasuble, called a pianeta in Italian, is a second class relic, no doubt very fragile. Pilgrims visit here to pray every afternoon when the rooms opened for visitors around 4:30 pm. Many flock here not only to see the rooms where he lived and the room where he died, but also so admire the magnificent frescoes attributed to Annibale Caracci, restored in 2008. The most significant relic on display is this vestment.
Below are a few photos of the chasuble along with some other images that will give the reader an idea of how the chasuble would have looked at the service of the altar. The saint passed away in 1556 at the age of 64. He envisioned his order to do mission work and to teach. He was beatified in 1609 and canonized in 1622.
In artistic representation St. Ignatius is often depicted in sacerdotal vestments, in an oversized Roman chasuble, ornate in design. He died during the Council of Trent, held between 1545 and 1563. St. Ignatius is best remembered for his founding of the Jesuits, well-known for their contributions to the Counter-Reformation movement in Rome and throughout Europe and the world. His feast is celebrated July 31, the day of his death.
