It was the day of our 3rd Wedding Anniversary and the snow storm just started.  I woke TS with a breakfast in bed.  It was nothing fancy really.  I only prepared bacon strips, scrambled eggs, bagel with Philadelphia Cream Cheese on it and a glass of orange juice.  I made sure I got up earlier than him so I can somehow surprise him a little bit other than the presents that I already gave him the day before.  Since I made more than enough breakfast for TS, I ended up sharing it with him in bed.

The snow was falling heavily outside.  TS kept on checking on the weather news and made sure it is safe for us to go out without getting stuck along the way.  I had no idea where he is taking me and was totally clueless.  I had been guessing and attempting to squeeze some info from TS but I was unsuccessful.  It was only when we arrived at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, MN that I realized that we are going to see the Vatican Splendors!  This is indeed one great gift from TS.  He had not only kept me in touch with my faith but he also brought me to the Vatican without enduring the long and expensive flight.

The Vatican Splendors showcases artworks dating back to the third century.  From the venerated relics (bone fragments) of Saint Peter to items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, this exhibit comprises one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour North America. Many items have never before been on public view.  Since pictures are prohibited inside the exhibit, I had my intellectual memory to work its wonders and grasp the splendors in mind.

As you step inside the exhibit, the Gallery 1 features the Foundations of the Church.  It bears images, different paintings and mosaics of Jesus, the Holy Family and the Apostles.  It includes the earliest representation of the face of Jesus in Rome, the Mandylion of Edessa. The venerated image is among the most ancient representations of Christ’s face and was thought to have had miraculous powers.  As you go through the hall, you will find a recreation of the second century Tomb of St. Peter.  Here is found a reliquary containing bones of Saint Peter.  Ancient oil lamps are displayed near a reproduction of the monument marking Saint Peter’s tomb.  The apostle’s gravesite later would become the site of Saint Peter’s Basilica.  As you go further, architectural drawings, paintings, and castings tell the story of the original Saint Peter’s Basilica built by the Roman emperor, Constantine.  Featured is Bust of An Angel, a colorful mosaic attributed to the great 14th century painter, Giotto.

The Gallery 2 explores the Renaissance (current) Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Swiss Guard, and the Vatican Museums, each marking its 500-year anniversary.  An exquisite terracotta maquette by Bernini is the main focus in this gallery. This section also includes several etchings of the Renaissance Basilica and signed documents by some of its many architects and Michelangelo’s drafting compass.  A part of the history of the Vatican is the Swiss Guards.  The Papal Swiss Guard has fascinated the public for centuries. Here the story of this legendary guard is presented, from its history to its present day purpose. Objects presented range from their colorful uniforms to armor and weapons that have been used for function and ceremony.  In this gallery, the Vatican Museums are explored.  These are one of the most famous and renowned cultural institutions of the Holy See. They are known everywhere because of the masterpieces which the Roman Pontiffs have commissioned, collected and preserved during the ages. Visitors will have an opportunity to view extraordinary works by some of the world’s greatest masters and objects from ancient foreign civilizations.

Going through Gallery 3, you will learn about the election of the pope, liturgical celebrations, and dialogue with the world. Also featured is the significance of the Sistine Chapel in history and in present-day importance.  You will learn about the Sistine Chapel and the ceremony surrounding the death of a pope, and the process of papal succession—which takes place within the Chapel’s chambers.  The timely subject of Election is also explored, from the rites, traditions and ceremonies that mark the passing of a pontiff to the process and ceremony for selecting and installing a new pope.  The election of Benedict XVI is spotlighted, and actual objects from the ceremonies—presented in context—include a silver and gilt bronze urn and gilt bronze paten used for voting, a voting ballot, a white smoke cartridge used for announcing the election, and the first papal vestments created for the new pope.  There is also an area that demonstrates the importance and solemnity of the ceremonies performed in the Catholic Church.  Artifacts include the original miter of Pope Paul VI and the papal tiara of Pope Pius XI.  Liturgical objects on display in this gallery include a chasuble of Pope Pius XI, a missal of Pope Leo XIII, and Leo XIII’s table cross of gold, diamonds, pearls and sapphires.  There’s a section that describes the pope’s work within the Roman Catholic Church, his involvement with the missions and his dialogue with other religions and with the world.  Featured art includes rare historical documents, such as a 19th century illustration of a funeral in Vietnam and a Tibetan Buddhist hanging scroll, or Thanka, given to Pope John Paul II by the Dalai Lama in 1978.

The last Gallery is dedicated to the Popes and their stories.  The Church considers Saint Peter the first pope.  With the election of Benedict XVI in 2005, 265 men have served as pope in the 20 centuries since Peter’s ministry.  This gallery presents stories and objects of the some of the most important and interesting of them.  The Tiara of Pope Pius VII, containing one of the world’s largest emeralds and a bronze sculpture of Paul VI (1963-1978) by Lello Scorzelli highlight the gallery.  The gallery gives special emphasis to Pope John Paul II and today’s pope, Benedict XVI.  John Paul II’s pastoral staff and cope worn for the Jubilee year celebration are included in this section, along with a special bronze cast  of John Paul II’s hand, created just prior to his passing, which allows visitors to actually touch the form of this much celebrated figure.  A portrait of Benedict XVI, and the pope’s chasuble, miter, and “Fisherman’s Ring” bid farewell to visitors as they re-enter the world with a new view of the role of the Church and Papacy in the world.

Many of the works and documents exhibited in Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard have never been on public display or previously left the Vatican. Therefore, this exhibition has provided an occasion for undertaking a careful restoration and conservation process that will preserve these objects for future generations.

The exhibition was held in only 3 cities in the US – St. Petersburg in Florida, Cleveland in Ohio and St. Paul in Minnesota. After January 19, everything in the exhibit will be brought back to their home – the Vatican.

It was such a great experience and I’m so glad to be part of it. When I went out the exhibit, there’s a feeling that’s pulling be back and wants me to go back inside!