Conclusion of the annual visit of the Canadian Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums

Supporting the Museums’ mission and promoting faith through art

Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, highlighted the “precious contribution” of the Canadian Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, to the mission of the Vatican Museums, “an essential cornerstone of the Governorate”, during an address read aloud on his behalf, by Msgr. Terence Hogan, Coordinator of the Office for Relations with Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum, on Thursday afternoon, 31 October. Msgr. Hogan read the Cardinal’s words after celebrating Holy Mass in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, to mark the conclusion of the annual visit of the Canadian Chapter to the Vatican.

It was a particularly eventful day, during which Msgr. Hogan presided at the Eucharistic concelebration and delivered the homily. The Mass was animated by the Choir of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music.

After Mass, members of the Canadian Chapter visited the Sistine Chapel, the Sala Regia, the Sala Ducale (Ducal Room), the Loggias, the Lapidary Gallery and the Chiaramonti Museum. Lastly, the Canadian group, The Tenors, held a concert in the New Wing, which was followed by an informal get together. The event was attended by Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate, Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General,  and Barbara Jatta, Director of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage.

The Canadian Patrons symbolically presented a certificate of the restoration of Raffaello’s Loggias,  to which they contributed.

Between Monday, 28 October, and Thursday, 31 October, the Canadian Chapter attended the General Audience in Saint Peter’s Square, visited the Vatican Basilica, the Swiss Guards’ Barracks, the tomb of Saint Rose, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, including the necropolis and the museum, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran and its baptistery, the Holy Stairs, the Sancta Santorum and the Vatican Museums.

The following is Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga’s address for the occasion, which was read aloud by Msgr. Hogan.

I greet the President of the Canadian Chapter, Madame Debra Mauro, along with all the members of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums gathered here,

I also extend a warm greeting to Sr. Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate,

to Barbara Jatta, Director of Museums and Cultural Heritage,

to Monsignor Terence Hogan, Coordinator of the Office for Relations with the Patrons,

and to The Tenors, whom I congratulate for their performance.

As President of the Governorate, I am pleased to welcome you. It is an honour for me to speak at this gathering, which is an opportunity to reflect on the objectives we have achieved and to present our future projects.

I would like to thank Madame Debra Mauro, the Board of Directors, and all the Patrons for their irreplaceable support of our projects aimed at preserving the artistic, historical, cultural and faith heritage of the Vatican Museums. This close collaboration has had significant impact on the achievement of dozens of projects over the years. I would also like to highlight the importance of each one of you, because your participation is essential.

Each Patron provides a priceless contribution. Together, we have accomplished great things, and together, we will continue to make a difference in our community. We have projects for the future, projects that require the commitment of all. I am confident that, together, we will be able to face the challenges that lie ahead.

I am grateful for the strength and energy you bring to the Vatican Museums. Your presence here is a powerful witness of your commitment to support our values and to contribute to the mission of promoting faith through art.

With your precious contribution, you are participating in the mission of the Vatican Museums, which is a cornerstone of the Governorate’s work. I am certain that your support will be crucial to our shared future. So, welcome to all of you, and together, let us achieve our goals.

Thank you all for your dedication, passion, and support. I want to take this opportunity to remind you that your presence among us is vital. With that, I wish you a wonderful stay in Rome.