Images(6)

Rosary

Object number2022.39.4 a,b

Date1962

OriginRome, Italy

MediumPlastic; Metal; Satin; Brass

Credit LineGift of Arlene Campoli

DescriptionRosary with multi-faceted clear iridescent plastic beads with metal connections. Silver metal crucifix. Gray metal centerpiece has bust portrait of Pope Paul VI on one side and image of dove above Saint Peter's Basilica on the other side. Rounded square pink marbled plastic clamshell box. Brass push clasp on front and hinge on back. Interior is lined on top and bottom with cream satin. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 22.75 x 1.313 x 0.25 in. (57.8 x 3.3 x 0.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b - closed): 1.25 x 2.75 x 3 in. (3.2 x 7 x 7.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b - open): 3 x 2.75 x 3.25 in. (7.6 x 7 x 8.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Centerpiece side with Pope Paul VI has text around the perimeter "PAULUS VI / PONT. MAX. / ROMA".

Centerpiece side with St. Peter's Basilica has text around the perimeter "CONCILIUM DECUMENICUM VATICANUM SECUNDUM / 1962".

(b)
Inside lid on satin lining there is blue printed text "SOUVENIRS - ROMA".
Marks(a)
Proper left side of vertical cross member has text "ITALY".
Historical NotesRosary from the Vatican purchased by Sam Campoli for his wife Florence Minkus Campoli. Sam Campoli was one of eleven children born to Giovanni “Jon” and Maria Campoli (originally spelled Camipoli), who immigrated from Reggio Emilia in the region of Emilia-Romagna to Buena Vista, Pa. He was the first-American born child in the family. The Campoli’s lived in a company town (otherwise known as a coal patch) and they shared housing with another Northern Italian family. They moved to Blythedale in the late 1920s. Sam’s first job at U.S. Steel was as a laborer at Duquesne Works in the early 1930s; by late 1959, he was in management in the electric furnace department making stainless steel. In 1963, Campoli was sent by U.S. Steel to Terni, Italy to teach colleagues how to make stainless steel; he was gifted with an engraved ingot at the end of his foreign service. During his time in Italy, he visited near-by Rome, where he picked up souvenirs for his family: a rosary from the Vatican for his wife Florence Minkus Campoli, various saints medals from the Roman catacombs for his daughters Geraldine and Cathie, and an embroidered dress for his youngest daughter Arlene. Many of these items are religious in nature, which is notable for Campoli was non-religious and mentioned his parents' sentiments about the Catholic church not supporting peasants in Italy. He also picked up some medals from a jewelry store in Terni. Campoli never missed a day of work, retiring after 42 years as General Turn Foreman.

Previous owner Florence Minkus Campoli

Related person Sam Campoli

Related institution United States Steel Corporation

Related person Jesus Christ

Related person Pope Paul VI (1897 - 1978)

Subjects