Vatican Museums Report Winter 2009

VATICAN
MUSEUMS
REPORT
a publication of the patrons of the arts • winter 2009 • volume xxxI
F
rom July 1 – 5, 2009, generous Patron benefactors from II in the Vatican Museums in order to celebrate the continued
around the world gathered together to experience the efforts and dedication of the Patrons in preserving artwork.
unveiling of the Pauline Chapel by His Holiness, Pope At the dinner, Prof. Antonio Paolucci, Director of the Vatican
Benedict XVI. The ve year period of restoration, sustained Museums, praised the work and generosity of the Patrons as
by the generosity of these particular Patrons, revealed the glo- well as Fr. Allen Duston, OP, who began this adventure many
rious work of Michelangelo found in his last two frescoes: The years ago. The evening will be treasured as a wonderful moConversion of St. Paul
ment caught in time.
and The Crucixion of
On the concluding
St. Peter.
day, Cardinal GiovanThe Pauline Chani Lajolo, President
pel holds great sigof the Vatican City
nicance inside the
State, celebrated a
Vatican walls. Despite
private mass in the
its small size and rePauline Chapel. Afmote location, a long
ter the ceremony the
succession of Popes
Cardinal distributed
have used it for liturrecognitions and hongical purposes since
ours to those Patrons
whose generosity made
1540. It was the origithe restoration of the
nal location of Papal
Pauline Chapel possiconclaves before the
ble. The Patrons and
eventual move to the
their families were
Sistine Chapel. To
welcomed inside the
this day, the Cardinal
Papal Sacristy to view
electors still gather in
The restored Pauline Chapel (Photo Service – L’Osservatore Romano 2009)
a beautiful white marprayer inside the Pauline Chapel before they proceed to the Sistine Chapel to elect a ble benefactor plaque. The Cardinal also personally thanked
new pope. A combination of its rich history and artistic beauty all the restorers of the Pauline Chapel who were present at
makes it one of the most breathtaking jewels in the Vatican the Mass and the Patrons joined the Cardinal in gratitude with
City State. This private papal chapel continues to reserve the their prolonged applause.
The Patrons and guests were then brought to the Casina di
Blessed Sacrament and remains a place of prayer.
Saturday, July 4th brought together the various Patrons, their Macchia Madama for a brunch in the gardens overlooking the
guests, and members of the Vatican Curia to the Unveiling of skyline of Rome. It was a wonderful conclusion of the Pauline
the Pauline Chapel by Pope Benedict XVI. A beautiful dedica- Event.
tion ceremony with Vespers and Benediction took place in the
The Patrons ofce would like to thank the Patrons who
restored Papal Chapel. The Holy Father expressed his profound sponsored the restoration to the Pauline Chapel through their
gratitude to the Patrons for their undertaking of this most im- generosity. The time spent together is a memory that we will
portant project. The glories of the chapel were revealed and all all share as a common bond. The Patrons Ofce sends its best
were struck by its sheer beauty. A cocktail reception and gala wishes for a blessed winter and a wonderful Christmas. We
dinner followed in the glorious Octagonal Courtyard of Julius look forward to seeing and hearing from everyone soon.
2 • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • W I N T E R 2009
Patrons marble plaque and awards
O
n Sunday, July 5th, after Holy Mass celebrated by Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo in
the Pauline Chapel, the benefactors were able to see the marble plaque bearing
their names displayed in the Sacristy of the Papal Chapel.
In addition to the plaque, the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums have created a series of medallions to recognize the spirit of giving of the individual donors.
These medallions were bestowed for the rst time by Cardinal Lajolo upon benefactors
of the Pauline Chapel. They will continue to be awarded to recognize Patrons who make
an exceptional donation to the Vatican Museums.
The Michelangelo Award is the highest honor represented by a solid gold medallion. The face of Michelangelo is on one side and on the other is the coat of arms of
the Vatican City State. This honor is bestowed on those who give one million dollars to
a Museum project. The Raphael Award, bearing the image of Raphael, is given to those
whose generosity is beyond $500,000.00. This sterling silver medal is engraved with the
relief of the self-portrait of Raphael; the Bramante Award is bestowed on donors whose
gift is beyond $250,000.00 while the Bernini Award, a gold plated medallion, is given to
gifts of over $100,000.
Each medallion, sculpted and engraved by Italian artists, is accompanied by an elegant calligraphy scroll of thanks and recognition.
During Vespers with the
Holy Father in the Pauline Chapel, I felt a deeper understanding of the
loving grace of God. God
inspired Saint Paul on
the road to Damascus to
become a follower of Jesus. This moment in the
Divine Plan is movingly
rendered in Michelangelo’s fresco. Similarly, the
artistry of the fresco reAndrew, Linda and Richard Daines with Judith and minds us that such superior talent is God-given.
William Bollinger
Michelangelo received his
talent from God and to God he looked for inspiration. The second fresco
is more sombre, as it depicts the moment of Saint Peter’s crucifixion. It
is fitting that the image of Saint Peter appears in the Pauline Chapel, as
Saint Peter was the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. To pray
next to this Papal image together with the modern-day successor to Saint
Peter was deeply moving. I experienced profound tranquillity and joy
knowing that my spiritual needs have the Holy Father and Saint Peter
as watchful guardians.
Judith Bollinger
There are certain occasions that remain in our
minds with vivid clarity; a
collective memory chest of
the most important or enjoyable times of our lives.
The beginning of July offered an occasion that for
me ranks among the very
best of these. On Sunday
5th, my family and I had
the privilege of celebrating Vespers with the Holy
Father in the newly restored Pauline Chapel of the
Micheal and Dorothy Hintze with their children, Jhon, Vatican’s Apostolic PalaEdward, David and Mary
ce. The time we spent in
that place was at the same time humbling, uplifting and joyous. what
the final result would produce. With the Holy Father celebrating his first
ever Vespers in the Chapel, the visual and spiritual scene was breathtaking. Here, we were seeing for the first time the astoundingly vibrant colours and rare beauty that an aged Michelangelo himself would have
seen on completion of these great works over 450 years ago. Though humbling, the chapel in its entirety is a visual testimony to the way man can
achieve extraordinary things through the nspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The Hintze Family
As a patron’s daughter, I
went to Rome with my dad,
John Brogan, who has been
very active in the group for
30 years. He was so excited
to see the Pauline chapel
completed and that made
the trip with him mean so
much to me. The patrons
did a wonderful job preparing us for what we would
see. Nothing prepared me
Anne Segerson with her son, Richard
for the actual moment, the
pope walking into the chapel, a few feet from us, praying with him
as he blessed us . Moved to tears by the beauty of the frescos and
the history of the chapel, I was thrilled to participate. Thank you, and
Father Haydu and the Patrons’ Ofce for all your work.
Anne Segerson
Seeing the restored Pauline Chapel was an extremely emotional moment
for us, partly because of
the Chapel’s own essence and splendor, partly
because of the transcendence and historical signicance of Michelangelo’s last frescoes, partly
because of the glory and
majesty of the ceremony,
partly because of the august presence and proxiMaria del Pilar, Giovanni Card. Lajolo and Jaime Davila
mity of the Holy Father.
But perhaps we were most moved by a sense of humility and gratitude
to God, to have blessed us with the means and opportunity to contribute to our Church, to art and to posterity.
Jamie and Pilar Davila
V O L U M E XXXI • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • 3
Letter from the International Director
Thy Kingdom Come!
Dear Patrons and Friends,
A
s I script this letter, thousands of people are gathered in
St. Peter’s Square for the weekly papal audience with His
Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Neither the cold nor the
rain of the season seems to deter our perpetual mass of pilgrims
both in the piazza and the ever-winding line of the Vatican Museums. By the end of this year, our museums would have had
approximately four and a half million visitors from all over the
world touring the various galleries and collections.
Yet, as another year draws to a close, the Eternal City remains
timeless. Thanks to the generosity of the Patrons, 2009 has been
a success in recapturing the beauty of several projects, rendering
them ageless. We have made a particular effort to simplify the
steps surrounding the restoration process and are happy to see
the results. Thanks to this effort, we have nished the projects
you will nd listed in the newsletter – among these – the beautiful Pauline Chapel. Thank you, Patrons, for your generosity and
support in making this happen!
Since the last newsletter, I have nished my degree in Moral
Theology at the Pontical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum.
I now have more time to benet the Patrons, and have used it
visiting several Chapters this fall. My goal, as always, is to support our local chapters. On this journey, I focused on individuals
and smaller, more intimate events. Mid-September brought me
to Boston, where we had a private viewing of the Civil War era
drawings from the Becker Collection at the McMullen Museum
of Boston College, and discussed future restoration projects with
the chapter. I also had interesting visits with the Development
Ofce at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts as well as with Cardinal O’Malley.
From there, I headed to New York City and met with a variety
of small groups organized by different patrons eager to share the
news on our organization with their friends. Happily, I was able
to direct them to local leadership: Lee Romanelli, Lucy McGrath
and the new chaplain of our New York Patrons, Fr. Boniface
Ramsey. I also had a chance to concelebrate Mass with the ever
joyful Archbishop Dolan. His Excellency gave us his encouragement to keep forging ahead with the New York Patrons.
En route north, I had a wonderful time in Canada with Patrons Paul and Carol Hill, who
outdid themselves with their kind
generosity. In ve days we visited
Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton
and Calgary. It was a memorable
and successful stay and I am so
grateful to them. A highlight of
my trip was in Calgary. I was able
to speak to some 100 potential
patrons at a Ferrari Dealership,
thanks to Tom and Debra Mauro.
I had the chance to take a spin in a
599 California Spyder, and luckily
managed to avoid any accidents
and did not need to impoverish
The Shaw Family, California
any patron accounts!
Tom and Debra Mauro, Fr. Mark, Carol and Paul Hill at a Patrons’ event in Calgary,
Canada.
My last stop was in California. I participated in their board
meeting at the de Young Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco
which was followed by a private visit to the amazing Tutankhamen exhibit. From there, I drove down to visit and pray with the
rst United States Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr. Bill Wilson.
It was a pleasure and a duty to recognize all the good done by this
Patron of patrons. My North American trip concluded in Los
Angeles with Bill and Debra Shaw, California patrons, who facilitated a number of interesting activities, not least was a wonderful
cocktail and talk at the Los Angeles Country Club.
In all, my trip was a great joy as I spent time with individuals, chapters and helped spread the word to potential patrons.
I worked together with local patrons and chapters to create a
synergy and enthusiasm for our mission. We have a remarkable
network in place and can work together to cultivate potential patrons and friends. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, share
contacts in cities where the patrons are present or in new cities
where we want to be such as Atlanta, Charleston, Denver and
Santa Fe!
As the Christmas season fast approaches, I am grateful to all
of you that have made 2009 a successful year for the Patrons.
Nearly all the current year’s
projects were pledged and our
overall numbers have grown in
spite of this difcult economic
times. This is thanks to all of
you! May God bless each one of
you with a safe and happy holiday, and a prosperous New Year.
As always, I will remember you in
my prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Mark Haydu, LC
4 • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • W I N T E R 2009
Minnesota – North Dakota Chapter visit
T
he 2009 trip of the MN/ND Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums,
September 28th to October 2nd, was a great success. The weather was picture perfect, every
single day. Our small group of travelers was interested, knowledgeable and extraordinarily
diverse. As always, our Vatican hosts were gracious, knowledgeable and hospitable, and our program
was intriguing and intense.
As the thread tying our artistic adventure loosely together we opted to study the technique and
history of mosaics in Christian Italy, starting in Venice with San Marco and ending in Rome with
the Mater Redemptoris Chapel.
The rst day was marked by a visit to the restoration laboratories for explanations on the most
recent restorations and discoveries by the different departments. The next day, after visiting the Scavi
under Saint Peter, we enjoyed lunch at the Casina of Pius IV. Following the lunch Maestro De Luca
gave a power point presentation on the restoration of the Michelangelo frescoes in the Cappella Paolina. In the evening we paid a visit to the US Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr. Miguel Díaz. It was
especially nice for us because he is a fellow Minnesotan and we had a lovely time at Villa Rchardson.
On Wednesday we were lucky enough to have rst row seats at the Papal Audience. This was a special
treat for some of our patrons who had never been
to Rome. In the Evening Cardinal Lajolo celebrated
Mass for us and we enjoyed a magnicent dinner in
HE Amb. Miguel and Mrs. Diaz with
the group of Patrons at Villa Richardson
the Borgia Apartments near the chimney which was
restored with funds provided by our chapter.
Our last day was marked by a return to the mosaics. We started with a visit to the Mosaic studios. From there we visited the Redemptoris Mater Chapel accompanied by Fr. Pavel Benedik,
O.S.A from the Papal Sacristy. Our visit ended with a wonderful lunch on the most beautiful
terrace in Rome.
Our chapter is most grateful to Father Haydu who together with Gabriella, Sara and
Romina put another spectacular trip together. We are also most grateful to Prof. Paolucci,
Dr. Devreux, Maestro De Luca and all the members of the marvelous team of the Vatican
museums for making our visit so memorable.
The Patron’s Group in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel with Fr. Pavel
Benedik in the center
Dr. Johan van Parys
Michigan – Ohio Chapter visit
B
envenuti da Roma!
2009 has brought many changes, the most recent of which includes myself and Elizabeth
Kenny, the two newest additions to the Patrons’ team. I speak on behalf of both of us
when I say, it is an absolute pleasure working for all of you!
From November 3rd to the 6th we had the unique privilege of hosting Fr. Mark’s hometown
chapter from Ohio, and my hometown chapter from Michigan. Thank you to the hard work and
preparation of Sara Savoldello (Patrons Ofce), John Hale (Board Member, Michigan Chapter)
and Denise Jasko (Ohio Chapter Co-Founder), the week was lled with many special events. I
would like to briey convey some of my experiences and reections.
We shared a special, con-celebrated Mass led by Cardinal Lajolo. After, Gabriella Lalatta and
Romina Cometti (Patrons Ofce) led a tour through the dimly lit museum after hours. In a stroke
of luck (and skillful manoeuvring by Fr. Mark) we were permitted to enter the Room of Tears,
the room the newly elected pope enters from the Sistine Chapel to pray and don his white papal
cassock for the rst time.
Our nal gala event was in the Pinacoteca
among the Guido Reni and Caravaggio paintings.
Only one word can describe it: magical. We shared a
candlelit dinner while enjoying reections from Fr.
Mark. Rosemary Bannon and Suzanne Rea (Michigan Chapter Co-Founders) graciously thanked the
Patrons Ofce Staff and gave us gorgeous owers.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the incredible group of Michigan and Ohio patrons who
made my rst experience beyond expectation. You
are what this organization is about and I feel so
honored to be volunteering for the Patrons.
The Michigan Patrons in the Pauline Chapel
Carolina Rea
Sara, Mary Ann Warha with Denise and Kaitlin Jasko, Ohio
Patrons
John, Kristan and Anne Hale, Michigan Patrons
V O L U M E XXXI • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • 5
Some of the projects finished in the year 2009...
St. Philip Baptizing a
Moor, restored thanks
to the generosity of Mr.
and Mrs. Dominic Di
Maggio, Florida Chapter
Crucix and six golden candlesticks restored
thanks to the Michigan Patrons
The Sacred Conversation: Madonna with
Child Adored by St. Pius V with St. Joseph,
St. Lawrence and St. Vincent Ferrer, restored thanks to the generosity of Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Dickson, California Chapter
Twenty-two Painted Statuettes Ushabti of the Faraon
Sethi I, restored thanks to
Gene Ceccotti, California
Chapter
Guanyin (Avalokites Vara), goddess of maternity and life, restored
thanks to the Illinois Chapter
Japanese Armor restored thanks to Robert Wigley,
Texas Chapter
One of the Seventeen
Painted Statuettes of
the God Sokari, restored thanks to Mr.
Bruce L. Ludwig, California Chapter
...and some projects under restoration
The Cleaning of all the
marble Satues in the
Braccio Nuovo, undergoing restoration thanks
to the residuals of many
US chapter
The Santa Rosa Excavations, udergoing restoration thanks to the Canadian
Patrons
St. Paul’s Sermon in Athens, Tapestry from the
School of Raphael, undergoing restoration thanks to
the Great Britain, Ireland
and Scotland chapter
The Statues of Ocean and
Hercules, restored thanks
to the Pennsylvania Chapter
Altar Front for the Sistine Chapel restored thanks to
Mrs. Florence B. D’Urso, NY
Decorative Display in
Stucco and Marble,
undergoing restoration thanks to the
Ohio Chapter
6 • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • W I N T E R 2009
News from the Vatican
D
uring the month of July, Don Roberto
Zagnoli retired from his position as Curator of the Missionary Ethnological Museum. Many of you have known Don Zagnoli during
your visits here and when he travelled to the United States with the Vatican exhibitions. We thank
him for all his precious help in organizing these
exhibitions together with the Patrons, and for his
friendship over the years. Father Nicola Mapelli,
Don Zagnoli’s successor, is now in charge of this
interesting and vast area of the Vatican Museums.
Fr. Mapelli, from the PIME (Pontical Institute for
Foreign Missions) degree in Religious Historical
Sciences (Università La Sapienza) and in Theology
(Università Urbaniana) and has lived and worked for
ten years in the Isle of Mindanao (Philippines). We
welcome Fr. Mapelli and wish him every success!
During the month of July, the Holy Father
nominated a new General Secretary of the Governorship, His Excellency Carlo Maria Viganò, former Delegate for the Pontical Representatives in
the Secretariat of State. Bishop Renato Boccardo,
our previous General Secretary, was elevated to
Archbishop of Spoleto-Norcia. Bishop Boccrado
was always very supportive of the Patrons’ Ofce
with the many practical aspects of our organization. Also, on July 16th Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo
announced that Msgr. Giorgio Corbellini, until
now Vice General Secretary of the Governorship,
was nominated Titular Bishop of Abula and thus
President of the Labor Ofce of the Holy See
(ULSA). His Episcopal Ordination was celebrated
in St. Peters’ Basilica on September 12th. Our special thanks and prayers to Bishop Boccardo and
Bishop Corbellini who have always helped the Patrons and the ofces’ needs during these years and
a warm “benvenuto” to Archbishop Viganò!
In other news, the Secretary of the Vatican
Museums, Dr. Edith Cicerchia has retired after a
long illustrious career in the Vatican Museums. The
employees and ofcials of the Museums found in
her a dedicated supporter and constant beacon
over her many years of service. She is considered
by many as a kind of “aunt” with her wise counsel
and guidance. She supported the Patrons’ activities
(see previous number Vol. XXX) with enthusiasm
and discretion, often behind the scenes, to guarantee smooth operations and a true sense of welcome
for our Patrons when they visited the Vatican.
Fr. Mark, Don Zagnoli and Msgr. Hogan at the Exhibition
Inauguration in Ohio
Fr. Nicola Mapelli, new Curator
of the Missionary Ethnological
Museum
H.E. Mons. Carlo Maria Viganò, new
General Secretary of the Governorship
H.E Bishop Renato Boccardo
His Holiness greets H.E. Bishop
Giorgio Corbellini during the Episcopal Ordination
Dr. Edith Cicerchia with Pope John Paul II
V O L U M E XXXI • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • 7
Thanks for your visit!
T
he Patrons who arrange a visit through the Patrons’ Office receive a confirmation via e-mail. This e-mail gives all
the information about where and when to meet the guide on the day of their visit. Usually the appointment is at
8:00 a.m. at the Exit Door of the Vatican Museums, which is just opposite the Main Entrance on Viale Vaticano.
Although it is sometimes difcult to be awake and alert at 8:00 a.m.,
the early hour is necessary in order to enjoy the spectacle of the Sistine
Chapel without the jostling crowds getting in the way. When you’re inside
the chapel, admiring the incredible ceiling and the impressive Last Judgement, time is nothing.
There is just peace,
quiet, awe-inspiring artwork – and a remarkably intricate oor!
Richard and Susan Aberle,
CA
Mark and Randy Belnick, NY
Dr. Lubomir and Maria Alexov, Patrons from Canada,
with Elizabeth and Carolina
Kim and Michael Moore, IL
In order to simplify your entrance and to facilitate your appointment with the Vatican
guide, from now on there will be a sign that has been created specically for the Patrons.
This will be the meeting point at which the Patrons and their guide can easily nd each
other. At the Information Booth at the exit you will also nd English-speaking staff who
have been advised of your arrival and
will be very happy to help you.
Also new in the Vatican Museums
is the Special Events Ofce. This ofce is coordinated by Orietta Robino
with Ivano Salvatori, and they arrange special paid evening visits.
The Public Relations and Services’ Ofce has been recently reorganized by Mons. Paolo Nicolini and
is coordinated by Luciano Gagliano.
It has 30 people working in all the
“welcoming” steps: from the security
Giampaolo Cartoni, Orietta Robino and Luciano Gagliano
control and metal detectors at the entrance to the nal stage when you leave the Vatican Museums. Without their help, the patrons’ ofce could not arrange the
visits and special events in the Vatican. We thank them for their efforts and continuous help.
Patrons
Meeting Point
8 • VATICAN MUSEUMS REPORT • W I N T E R 2009
We invite you to join The Patrons of the Arts
A
Patrons of the Arts Vatican Ofce Staff with our volunteers: Carolina Rea (on the left) and Elizabeth Kenny (on the right)
s a member of the patrons of the arts in the Vatican
Museums, you are an honored guest of the museums.
Not only is your admission to the museums complimentary, but you will be accompained by your own guide who
will deepen and enrich your visit. Patrons are also invited to
tour sections of the museums closed to other visitors, including the restoration laboratories, to see rsthand the conservation efforts they have made possible. Membership includes a
personale subscription to the Vatican Museums Report wich
will enhance your visit and keep you informed of activities
and special projects, as well as invitations to social events in
the Vatican and elsewhere that keep you in touch with your
fellow patrons. More importantly, your annual membership
fee of $500.00 (or Euro 500) per person, $1,000.00 per couple and their children under 18, will help to preserve the cultural and historical treasures that make up the collections of
the Vatican Museums.
Our e Newsletter is coming soon
To be sure you receive it, please send your
name and email address to [email protected]
Dr. Guy Devreux restoring a Marble Bust
Patrons in our Painting Restoration Laboratory
Read our 2010 Wishbook with all the restoration projects on line
The 2010 wishbook is online!
To view, go to www.vatican-patrons.org
VATICAN CITY
Rev. Fr. Mark Haydu, LC
Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums
Vatican City State V-00120
Phone +39 06-698 81814
Fax +39 06-698 82147
[email protected]
CANADA
Mr. James P. Magee,
65 Queen St. West, Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M5, Canada
Phone: (416) 367-2463 x 2840
[email protected]
GREAT BRITAIN, IRELAND AND SCOTLAND
Mr. John McCaffrey
Phone: +44 7900888812
[email protected]
NORTH AMERICAN OFFICE
Msgr. Terence Hogan, SL.D.
North American Chaplain
c/o Cathedral of St. Mary
7525 N. W. Second Avenue
Miami, FL 33150
Phone (305) 759-4531 ext. 105
Fax (305) 759-4535
[email protected]
For contacts:
Mrs. Lorna Richardson
North American Secretary
43430 E. Florida Avenue
Ste “F”, PMB 322
Hemet, CA 92544
Phone: (951) 658-9834
Fax
(951) 658-9546
[email protected]
PORTUGAL
Mr. Carlos Evaristo
Apartado 133
2496 Fátima, Codex, Portugal
Phone: (00351) 249 - 544808
[email protected]
MONACO CHAPTER
Mrs. Liana Marabini
29, rue du Portier
Monte-Carlo
98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
Phone: + 337-607 937163
[email protected]
Published by the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums’ Editorial Staff: Fr. Mark Haydu, L.C., Mons. Terence Hogan, SL. D., Sara O. Savoldello and Romina Cometti.
A Special Thank you to Carolina Rea and Elizabeth Kenny
VATICAN PRESS