NPM to showcase Vatican treasures in 2016

2015/11/10

A total of 60 sets of historical and religious treasures from the Vatican will go on display at Taipei City-based National Palace Museum starting February next year, the NPM said Nov. 6.

Comprising mainly liturgical artifacts from the Vatican Sacristy, the exhibition will include special robes and objects used by popes in public services over the centuries. A highlight is the Mandylion of Edessa dating from the 3rd to 5th century, which is believed to bear the image of Jesus Christ.

NPM Director Fung Ming-chu said these objects are not just great works of art, but are imbued with a deep sacred significance. “They represent the quintessence of more than two millennia of Roman Catholic faith and liturgical culture, through which many continue to find reverence for God and spiritual consolation.”

Fung signed an agreement for the event with the Holy See Nov. 5 at the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff in the Vatican. She noted that many of the artifacts are going on public display for the very first time.

“This special exhibition is divided into five sections: the altar, the liturgical year, the pope and history, sacraments and sacred liturgy,” she said. “Together, they offer viewers a rare insight into the close relationship between Roman Catholic liturgy and the pope as well as the history of the church.”

Complementing the display is a selection of historical texts from the NPM collection pertaining to the Catholic faith, according to the director, who added she expects the exhibition to further local viewers’ understanding of the religion’s development in China and its potent influence in today’s society.

“Treasures from Heaven: A Special Exhibition of Artifacts from the Holy See” will be staged Feb. 5 to May 2, 2016.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238660&ctNode=2194&mp=9)