Neo-gothic Crosier, Bishop Of Léopoldville, Monsignor Natalis De Cleene, 1925

Extremely rare neogothic bishop's crozier that belonged to Monsignor De Cleene (1870-1942), missionary of Scheut, titular bishop of Usula, apostolic vicar of Leopoldville (1925-1932) and in this capacity predecessor of the archbishops of Kinshasa. Stylistically, this stick still belongs entirely to the nineteenth century. In a thoroughbred neo-Gothic style, it is made of gilded brass with solid silver appliques. It is engraved with the episcopal arms of Monsignor De Cleene and the knot is engraved with a dedication from his classmates at the seminary. At the top it is engraved with the motto of Monsignor De Cleene "In Verbo Tuo" and the words of Jesus to the future apostle Simon (Peter) "Duc in altum" or "advance in deep waters" Luke 5:4. The scene of this Gospel is represented in the round in the crosier itself, we see the apostle Peter kneeling before Christ on his boat. The phrase "Duc in altum!" was chosen as a motto by many missionaries who, like the apostles Peter, John and James, stepped out into the open sea and dropped everything to follow Christ. The stock is in good condition, removable in several parts. It is more or less 190 cm high.