Vatican artifacts exhibition launched in Taipei City

2016/02/15

The world’s largest exhibition to be held outside the Holy See of liturgical artifacts used by popes throughout the centuries was launched Feb. 4 during a ceremony co-hosted by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs at National Palace Museum in Taipei City.

Staged by NPM and the Vatican with the support of the MOFA, Treasures from Heaven: A Special Exhibition of Artifacts from the Holy See comprises 60 sets of objects illustrating the artistic values and cultural content of the Roman Catholic Church and its development in the Chinese-speaking world. It underscores 73 years of diplomatic relations between the ROC and Holy See, and highlights the deepening of bilateral relations and exchanges between the two sides.

Attended by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou, MOFA Minister David Y. L. Lin, ROC Vice President-elect Chen Chien-jen and a Holy See delegation led by Archbishop Piero Marini, president of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses, the launch ceremony was a fitting start for this major religious and cultural event.

“The ROC and Holy See have made several unprecedented breakthroughs over the past several years,” Ma said during an address, citing his participation in the inauguration ceremony of Pope Francis in 2013 and the Sistine Chapel Choir’s performance in Taiwan the following year.

“In addition, the two sides concluded an agreement on higher education collaboration in 2011 that opened the door for two-way exchanges. It is a great honor for me to be involved in all these historical events.”

Echoing Ma’s remarks, Lin said the exhibition is an important milestone in Sino-Western cultural exchanges, and is sure to attract Catholics and art lovers from Asia-Pacific countries. “The ROC and Vatican share the universal values of freedom, democracy and peace, and continue to advance a wide-range of exchanges and humanitarian cooperation.

“The presence of the Vatican delegation underscores the great importance the Holy See attaches to the exhibition.”

In response, Marini said the exhibition will promote friendship and understanding between the two sides. “The ROC and Holy See share many things in common. This event will foster cooperation in tackling new challenges like environmental protection and humanitarian concerns.”

The archbishop and the delegation are in Taiwan Feb. 3-6, during which they will visit the ROC Presidential Office for a meeting with Ma, take part in a MOFA luncheon hosted by Lin, tour the NPM and attend mass at a local Catholic church.

Running Feb. 5 to May 2, the exhibition is themed The Altar, Catholicism Spreads East, The Holy See, The Liturgical Year, The Pope and History, and The Sacraments. The six categories were chosen to offer a deeper understanding of the history of the Catholic Church, as well as the background and purpose of artifacts used in the Holy Eucharist.

One highlight of the exhibit is a reliquary and relic of St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit priest and apostle who led missions to India, Japan and Southeast Asia. Crafted between 1843 and 1900, the silver funerary urn inlaid with gemstones features images of the saint’s life on small tiles surrounded by colorful glass.

Of equal interest is a tiara gifted to Pope Pius IX by Queen Isabella II of Spain in 1854. Encrusted with pearls and diamonds, the diadem is fashioned from silver foil cloth and gold embroidery. Its fabric strips also portray images of doves, keys to heaven and lambs sitting on books.

Similarly intriguing is an aureate chasuble with stole and maniple. Presented to Pope Pius XI in 1926, the vestment is covered in scenes depicting the Crusades, the Virgin Mary between angels and saints, as well as Franciscan saints and martyrs.

Other items on display include the NPM’s collection of documents related to the development of Catholicism in the Chinese-speaking world, as well as a bishop’s pastoral staff belonging to New Taipei City-based Fu Jen Catholic University.

“Catholicism has played a long-lasting role in promoting exchanges between the East and West, and the exhibition represents the ongoing engagement among different cultures,” Ma said. “It is hoped that the two sides will continue enjoying prosperity and friendship going forward.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242094&ctNode=2194&mp=9)