October 9, 2009. The Immaculate Conception, by Murillo, Saint John the Baptist, by Caravaggio and Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata, by Van Eyck are coming together in Rome in an exhibition called “Power and Grace, the Patron Saints of Europe.”
It’s an exhibition that portrays the origins and the importance of the role of Christianity in Europe throughout its history through some of the most beautiful paintings in the world.
Rev. Alessio Gretti
Director, Power and Grace
“It’s not just a compilation of some of the best pieces of art, nor is the exhibition meant to present the history of the West. It’s a message that aims for the heart and mind, because it tells the life of the Patrons of Europe and reminds us that if we are capable of being saints if we want to be.”
The exhibition tells stories of sainthood from martyrs of Imperial Rome until now in a continent whose story cannot be told without understanding its Christian roots. But the best artists in the world were able to capture this history through works of art like these.
Mons Gianfranco Ravasi
President, Pontifical Council for Culture
“The German poet Goethe used to say that Christianity was Europe’s mother tongue. All you have to do is take a look at history and the art in European cities to understand this.”
This unique exhibition tells Europe’s history through stories of its saints. The Eternal City will play host to the display until January 31, 2010.
BR/RS
