Exhibit of art pieces to link Cebu to Vatican

A RANKING Church official said an exhibit on priceless art pieces aimed at filling in the gap between the Vatican City and Cebuanos is an opportunity to "appreciate the beauty of the Vatican."

"As messenger Garcia, I hope it (exhibit) will arouse in use the greater message of what the Vatican, of St. Peter's Basilica, stands for," said Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, the Archdiocesan Commission on Worship chairman.

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"The best work of God is not by his fingers but the work of his hands, the human beings," he added.

Garcia led the opening rites of the Vatican Observatory Foundation Exhibit at the Ayala Center Cebu last Wednesday.

He also said Vatican is not just a place of learning about the Catholic faith but also a place for science and invention.

The activity was organized by Ayala Malls and Tuesday Licensing and Entertainment Inc., which claims to have acquired a license to conduct a "Vatican insider" tour that takes clients to private areas within Vatican City.

Company representative Rosinee Pacolor said they are the first group to have such a license, which provides clients access to Vatican's treasures that is not available to other groups.

The exhibit includes photos of such places, such as the famous St. Peter's Basilica and the Hall of Constantine which was designed by 16th century artist Raphael.

Also part of the collections, which will be on display until Sept. 14, is the world-renowned Pieta, which was sculpted by Michelangelo in the 15th century.

Sculpture

The sculpture, which was unveiled in St. Peter's Basilica around 1500, depicts a young Virgin Mary holding the body of her son Jesus Christ after his death.

Vatican Observatory Foundation, the fund raising arm of the Vatican Observatory provided the photos.

The Foundation's licensing program is part of efforts to support the observatory's scientific education, research and discovery.

The observatory, which was founded in the 16th century, is responsible for breakthroughs in astronomy, astrophysics and mathematics.