66 - Italy, 1954, silver crosier belonging to HE Mons. Oddo Bernacchia (Fano, 1880-Nerola, 1964), Bishop of Termoli and Larino, Baron of San Giacomo; complete with case/suitcase and other important personal objects. Measurements: Case 62.00 x 29.00 x 8.00 cm – Miters 40.00 x 30.00 cm – Diploma 46.00 x 33.00 cm

Italy, 1954, silver crosier belonging to HE Mons. Oddo Bernacchia (Fano, 1880-Nerola, 1964), Bishop of Termoli and Larino, Baron of San Giacomo; complete with case/suitcase and other important personal objects. Measurements: Case 62.00 x 29.00 x 8.00 cm – Miters 40.00 x 30.00 cm – Diploma 46.00 x 33.00 cm Made up of four elements, all stamped with the metal sample “800”, this pastoral staff was made towards the second half of the 1940s of the 20th century. The upper part, the scroll, is decorated with phytomorphic carvings reproducing the leaves of the acanthus plant. In sacred art, the acanthus represents eternal life, endurance in adversity, and episcopal dignity. The volute ends with a round pedestal whose finely chiseled frame supports the Agnus Dei with the cross in its paw to symbolize God. On the banner that decorates the cross another hallmark “800” and a further hallmark with a diamond “6 MI” which identifies the historic and prestigious Milanese silversmith Romeo Miracoli e Figlio. In the central section, the cylindrical node features three niches, each housing a figure of a saint. The sculptures, masterfully carved in the round, are easily identifiable thanks to the goldsmith's skill that superbly delineates their details. They are the Doctors of the Western Church: Saint Ambrose, Saint Gregory the Great and Saint Jerome. This liturgical staff of extraordinary beauty and rarity was donated to Monsignor Oddo Bernacca by the citizens of Termoli in 1954 when the prelate, with a papal bull dated January 1st, established the Parish in honor of Saint Timothy, a favorite pupil of the Apostle Paul, whose remains, thanks to the work commissioned by Bernacca, had been found on May 11th 1945 during the restoration of the Cathedral. This important collection is completed by two other liturgical vestments of Monsignor Bernacchia: a gold-decorated mitre and a simple mitre. The first, made in the late 1930s, has some missing gems on both sides, while the simple one, dating back to the mid-1940s, is in excellent condition. Finally, there is the diploma of merit on parchment paper, water-coloured and hand-decorated in commemoration of the honorary citizenship conferred on Oddo Bernacchia by the city of Termoli on 19 April 1950. The crosier is preserved in its original case/case, which shows some inevitable signs of age. The interior, lined in satin and velvet, is in excellent condition. The assembled crosier is 1.90 m high overall. Its overall weight is 1,610 kg