Introduction
Stone of Saint Stephen
In the heart of Florence, behind austere walls and silent devotion, the Stone of Saint Stephen was one of the most curious and venerated relics. In this article, we will explore how the Stone of Saint Stephen became both a sacred treasure and the protagonist of an almost comical episode in monastic life.
A Heavy Relic with a Sacred Past
Firstly, this was no ordinary stone. Rather, it was the Stone of Saint Stephen, believed to have taken part in the stoning of Christianity’s first martyr, Saint Stephen. Furthermore, the Monastery of Saint Vincent of Annalena in Florence safeguarded it as a precious witness to early Christian history.
In addition, the stone was not just displayed like any museum piece. It inspired reverence and awe among nuns and visiting faithful alike. Learn more about Saint Stephen here to understand why this relic carried such significance.
A Devout Priest and a Winter Morning
Meanwhile, on a freezing winter morning, a devout priest—zealous yet clearly not a friend of mittens—decided to show the relic to the congregation, during the meeting inside the Church. Moreover, his eagerness to impress may have distracted him from wearing proper gloves. So, with hands numb from the cold, he lifted the Stone of Saint Stephen to offer it for the faithful to kiss.
However, gravity (the physical kind, not the theological kind) intervened with precision. The stone slipped from his fingers and fell straight onto his foot. Thus, the priest’s expression shifted between martyrdom and a stifled expletive, while he limped off toward the sacristy like a penitent of old.
Read more about Catholic relics here to see why such objects inspire both devotion and caution.
Shock, Scandal and Sacred Comedy
Nonetheless, the relic now lay on the floor like a common stone. Some nuns, with trembling reverence, picked it up with gloves. Others cast scandalised glances, as though accusing the stone of pride. Consequently, this moment blended awe, horror and unintended humour inside the monastery walls.
Furthermore, eyewitnesses swore they heard an exclamation “not quite from the breviary,” adding to the anecdote’s legendary status. In conclusion, this episode turned a solemn relic into the centrepiece of a comical tale—showing how the sacred and the mundane can collide.
Discover more about the Monastery of S. Vincenzo d’Annalena here to appreciate its history.
Subtitle 4 – The Legacy of the Incident
Thus ends the story of the Stone of Saint Stephen, whose weight proved more powerful than its piety. Today it remains a symbol not only of martyrdom but also of the unpredictable human side of devotion. For a deeper look at Florence’s relic tradition, consult this academic article on relics in Florence.
Moreover, stories like this one illustrate how Florence’s sacred sites blend history, faith and living anecdotes—making them essential stops for anyone exploring the city’s spiritual heritage.
