As we remember the Feast of Our Lady's Assumption August 15th, we visit a Roman basilica
dedicated to her and take a tour of its unique collection of Church treasures. And
we find ourselves wondering: what have Pope Urban VIII, Saint Thomas Beckett and St.
Jerome have in common? It doesn’t seem like the fiery 17th century Roman
Pope, the 12th century Archbishop of Canterbury and 4th century
hermit would have much in common other than the fact they were all Catholic.
But
they are all remembered in a very special exhibit at the museum of the Basilica of
St. Mary Major here in Rome. Extraordinary works like Pope Urban’s magnificent, gold-embrodered
chasuble, the inticrately handcrafted reliquaries in honor of the Saints Thomas of
Canterbury and Jerome and many more like them are together here on display.
In
this, the second of a two-part tour of St. Mary Major's exhibition space, Vatican
Museums curator Professor Arnold Nesselrath takes Tracey McClure down the centuries
for a view of works of art crafted by some of Italy’s greatest and little known artists
– all inspired by the faith. Join us on our tour!