“This, madam, is an inspiration from Heaven,” exclaimed Pope Pius IX upon seeing the embroidery.

It is the “Detente,” — or “Sacred Heart Badge” — a small shield with the figure of the Divine Heart, revealed to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque on June 16, 1675. In 1870, it was embroidered on cloth by a woman and given to her son, who was leaving for war to defend the papacy in the wars of Italian unification. The young man emerged unharmed from the battle, saying that a bullet hit his chest, remaining lodged in the “Detente” without causing any damage.

Approximately 2” x 1.5”. Embroidered.