Vintage Spina Christi Bead Rosary with Crucifix "Reliquary"

• Genuine Spina Christi Beads - average 6x8mm
• 21 inches in length
• Relic Crucifix with soil from the Catecombs

Most Spina Christi bead rosaries are plastic "replicas", but these are actual Spina Christi beads. They are somewhat flat shaped, and are a reddish brown color. There is a variation in each bead shape and size - they are not exactly the same like a factory produced bead. Most are about 6x8mm. Our Lord's crown of thorns used in His Passion was said to have come from the Spina Christi bush. What a  wonderful way to turn one of the instruments used in His Passion and Death into prayers ascending to Heaven! 

The back part of the Crucifix has a little pin that screws in. When you unscrew it, the back part opens up to reveal a small reliquary. The "relic" is earth from the Catecombs of Rome where so many Martyrs are buried. There is a small paper under the soil which reads "Terra Catacombe". The back of the Crucifix is also engraved "Roma - Made in Italy". The Crucifix measures 1 1/2" (not including the loop at the top that attaches to the Crucifix or the pin that screws in).

The Rosary measures 21" in length. The centerpeiece medal has a monorgram style IHS for the Holy Name of Jesus and "M" for Mary on it. The metal parts of the rosary are silver finish.

I do not know exactly how old this is, but I would guess that its from the 1940's or 1950's.