2011-08-12 10:31:14

St. Mary's treasures beneath the Basilica


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! RealAudioMP3







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