Local group helps preserve a few ‘Vatican Splendors' By Maria Wiering Wednesday, 24 September 2008 Published on The Catholic Spirit When the “Vatican Splendors” exhibit opens Sept. 27 at the Minnesota History Center, local members of one arts organization are less likely to beeline to see the tools Michelangelo used to fresco the Sistine Chapel or gawk at gleaming papal jewels. Instead, their eyes will likely scan for gilt wood statues of the Apostles — statues the group's members helped to preserve. Members of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums contribute between $250 and $1,000 or more annually to support the restoration and preservation of artwork in the 13 Vatican Museums in Vatican City and Rome. The museums' collections range from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art. The international organization has about 1,000 members, said Johan van Parys, director of liturgy at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. He chairs the Patron of the Arts' Minnesota and North Dakota chapter, which has about 50 members. “For us, to see works that are very beloved to us . . . so close in our backyard is wonderful for our organization,” van Parys said. The Vatican Museums has “one of the most extensive collections documenting thousands of years of human existence,” van Parys added. “Since it exists, we have the responsibility to also maintain it.” Each year, the local Patrons of the Arts chapter organizes a trip to visit the Vatican Museums, where its members enjoy free admission, private tours, extended access and no waiting lines. However, with the rising cost of travel, not everyone can go to Rome to see the art, van Parys said. “We find it very important that art leave the Vatican and travel the world,” he said... > continue reading article