The museum of Rome's St. Mary Major

Have you ever wondered what happens to some of the intricately crafted reliquaries, monstrances and other objects used by popes and even saints in liturgical rites? It’s not hard to imagine how many might be stuffed away in sacristy cupboards or displayed in areas where the public can’t see them.

Well, if you're planning a trip to Rome and want to glimpse some stunning examples of such treasures , your pilgrimage itinerary should include the only one of Rome’s four patriarchal basilicas dedicated to Our Lady. Some ten years ago, the Basilica of St. Mary Major dusted off its own collection of historic liturgical and artistic treasures and put them on display in a new museum.

Pope John Paul II himself inaugurated the museum on December 8^th, 2001. The exhibits include relics from the life of Jesus, Saints Jerome and Thomas of Canterbury among others…and something once held dear to the 17^th century sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the designer of St. Peter’s square who is also buried here.

Tracey McClure asks Professor Arnold Nesselrath, the Vatican Museums curator who helped set up the museum, to take us on a tour. Listen to this, the first in a two part visit to the St. Mary Major museum...