Vatican display in Taipei museum

The National Palace Museum in Taiwan is holding a special exhibition entitled, Treasures from Heaven: A Special Exhibition of Artifacts from the Holy See, featuring beautiful works of art from the Vatican.

Organised by the Vatican Office of Liturgical Celebrations in conjunction with the museum, the exhibition, billed as one of the largest in the world, opened on February 3 and will run until May 2.

Among the pieces on display is the tiara presented to Pope Pius IX by Queen Isabella II of Spain in 1854. It shows three levels that symbolise the three authorities of the pope as the father of kings, governor of the world and vicar of Christ.

Chalice with paten of Blessed Pope Pius IX (r. 1846-1878)

A chasuble, stole and maniple (liturgical vestments) worn by Pope Pius XI featuring golden embroidered damask silk with gold filaments and coloured silk portraying scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi is also on display.

The Procession Cross of St. Pope John Paul II

The exhibition includes the Vatican Mandyllion (Face of Christ), symbolising that dialogue is possible only when the truth is expressed in the face. Another exhibit features the first texts translated into Chinese by the early missionaries, the first examples of inculturation and Sinicisation of the faith.

Jeweled closure of Servant of God Pope Benedict XIII (1724-1730)

The texts also range from natural science and philosophy, to calendars and mathematics, which had a great impact on China’s development. The exhibition is divided into six sections: The Holy See, The Liturgical Year, The Altar, The Pope and History, The Sacraments and Catholicism Spreads East.

Together, they represent the close relationship between the liturgy of the Church, the pope and the history and development of Catholicism.