“Utriusque Iuris Doctor et Sacrae Theologiae Magister Dominus Didacus Andreas Tomacelli Scyllaeus natus III Non. Decembris MDCXCVII. Studiorum confecto curriculo, et sacerdotio initiatus urbem petiit. Ibique Ss.mo D.no Benedicto XIV apprime carus, ad regimen Marsicensis Ecclesiae designatus, consacratusque Episcopus anno MDCCXLIV, Ecclesiam illam summa cum laude regens, cessit e vita A.R.S. MDCCLXVI, VI Kal. Sexstil.”

This is the inscription, reported by Canon Minasi, which appeared beneath the portrait of Bishop Diego Andrea Tomacelli. For about two centuries it was displayed in the sacristy of our Mother Church, to which the Bishop from Scilla had donated it.
With the destruction caused by the earthquake of 1908, it is likely that the portrait too was lost. In any case, this inscription marks the most important stages in the life of Tomacelli, who, among many others, honoured and loved his native homeland.
He was born on 3 December 1697 to Rocco and Grazia Galli, into a family in which, as was common at the time, religious vocations flourished.
He was born on 3 December 1697 to Rocco and Grazia Galli, into a family in which, as was common at the time, religious vocations flourished.
We also have record of one of his nephews, Diego Tomacelli, who became Archpriest of Scilla and inherited all the manuscript works of his illustrious uncle, works that were never published and were eventually dispersed.
First of all, we may suppose that this was due to his great modesty, together with his awareness of the vanity of worldly things when compared with eternal realities.
First of all, we may suppose that this was due to his great modesty, together with his awareness of the vanity of worldly things when compared with eternal realities.
Gifted with a lively intellect, Tomacelli from childhood showed a particular inclination towards the study of the sacred sciences, and was therefore sent to Reggio, where he was educated by men distinguished in learning and letters.
Having completed his studies and received excellent preparation from capable teachers, he was ordained a priest.
He then returned to Scilla, but soon decided to perfect his studies, and therefore went to Naples, where he obtained a doctorate in Sacred Theology, later teaching at the Neapolitan theological college.
From Naples he moved to Rome to deepen his studies in the sacred sciences, combining them with the study of Eastern languages.
In Rome he became acquainted with the learned men of the age and formed a close friendship with the distinguished Prospero Lambertini, who greatly appreciated Tomacelli’s intellect and culture, to the point of choosing him as a collaborator in his literary work.
Tomacelli was indeed a man of great learning as well as an effective orator, and thus the friendship between the two became close and fruitful through the literary work that united them.
When Lambertini became Pope under the name Benedict XIV, he appointed his friend and collaborator bishop in 1744, assigning him to Marsico Nuovo in Lucania.
Upon taking possession of his diocese, Tomacelli devoted for many years all his zeal and religious piety to that people of God, in accordance with the motto on his episcopal coat of arms, “Alter alterius onera” (“Bear one another’s burdens”), inspired by the teaching of the Apostle Paul.
To this end, he directed his care first and foremost to the diocesan seminary, which acquired such a distinguished reputation that it attracted many young men, including numerous natives of Scilla who wished to cultivate learning and science.
He then expressed his aesthetic taste by adorning the Cathedral with precious marbles and overseeing the construction of elegant altars.
To the Canons of his Cathedral he granted special insignia to enhance their dignity with a visible sign.
In the same way, he acted towards the Archpriest and the Canons of the Collegiate Church of Saint Augustine in Saponara.
With the same commitment and energy with which his fellow citizens of Scilla fought against the abuses of their feudal lord, he battled the arrogance of the local barons, reclaiming ecclesiastical properties that they had unjustly usurped.
Conversely, he was generous in his benefactions and love towards the poor and the destitute, carrying out extensive work of social assistance.
He deeply loved his Scilla, to whose Mother Church he made rich donations, many of which he had himself received from Pope Lambertini (Benedict XIV), his great friend.
He deeply loved his Scilla, to whose Mother Church he made rich donations, many of which he had himself received from Pope Lambertini (Benedict XIV), his great friend.
He passed away on 27 July 1766.

Giuseppe Ribuffo