Dear Patrons,

It is with pleasure that I write you from our new offices nestled high up in the third floor of the apostolic palace. From this privileged point of view I can see the Aventine hill in the distance with its ancient roman villas, Monte Mario and the Spanish steps. In the foreground is the neighbourhood of Borgo Pio, its roads paved with sanpietrini, lined by restaurants and old roman palazzos. The landscape exudes history as does this part of apostolic palace built by Gregory XIII, just above Bramante’s lapidary gallery which connects the papal loggias with the Vatican Museums.

It was on October 1st that His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo named me to this position. I am very grateful to God for the confidence shown me by His Eminence. Although I admittedly began with a little trepidation, thus far the responsibility has been both delightful and challenging.

Challenging because my predecessor, Fr Allen Duston, OP, a very gifted man, has set the standard very high. Under his direction and with the valuable guidance of Cardinal Castillo Lara, Cardinal Edmund Szoka and more recently, Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, the Patrons have become an essential part of the Governatorato and the Vatican Museums. Challenging because there are many restoration projects in progress which will require constancy and persistence to finish in a timely manner. Some are smaller yet no less significant, while others like the Pauline Chapel and the Sistine Chapel at St Mary Major are very ambitious. And yes, we are going to initiate more new and challenging projects.

Delightful, because I can think of no more magnificent group of people to serve and no more beautiful place from which to do it. You know better than I how delightful Sara, Romina and Gabriella are to work with. Not only is the team in the office a joy to work with, but I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you already and I have been impressed with your warmth and enthusiasm. I am humbled by the reception you have given me and I am eager to serve you!

The role of the Patrons is essential to the success of the Museums. Without each of you and your support, it would be impossible to keep up with all the restoration needs of such a vast and varied collection. Truly, without you, we would not be the museum we are today! With God’s help and your generosity, we will continue to do great things with the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums!

We are all united in our love for art and beauty and our genuine interest in the preservation and promotion of the great patrimony of the Vatican Museum collection. And what a collection it is! Diverse and universal yet particular and unique. No other Museum can claim its millennial heritage or its monumental numbers. And of course, what other museum closes your visit with the overwhelming beauty of the Sistine Chapel!

This new endeavour brings together so many of my interests and loves; the Church and the Holy Father, serving others who have an impact on society, promoting Christian culture and the beauty of the arts. What a amazing combination it is! Yet, it would be a temerity to embrace this position counting on my poor qualities and efforts alone. Therefore I ask you for your prayers that I be worthy of the trust given me by His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo and all of you.

I remain sincerely yours,

Fr. Mark Haydu LC