Art of the Vatican, some never seen before outside of Rome, comes to San Antonio for a historic exhibition of Papal history. San Antonio is only one of three U.S. cities to host the exhibit and the only city in the southern region. Oct 15-Jan 18
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Mosaic Fragment of Saint Peter from the Basilica of Saint Paul's Outside-the-Walls
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San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center is playing host to the Papal exhibition, Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes, one of the world's largest collections of Vatican art, documents and historical objects to tour North America, through January 8, 2006. And an escape to the Alamo City this month promises to be a great weekend getaway where you can catch up on art, history and the Catholic culture.
San Antonio is the only city in the south to host the exhibition in a limited three-city tour which started in June in Montreal and ends in May, 2006, in Milwaukee.
More than 300 authentic pieces trace 2000 years of Catholic leadership, beginning with Saint Peter through Pope John Paul II. The objects, including tiaras, sketches, jewelry, vestments, sculptures, as well as gifts to the popes from notables Napoleon and the Dalai Lama, are on loan from the Vatican, the Vatican Museums, the archives of the Propaganda Fide, the Pontifical Sacristy, the Sistine Chapel, and Roman churches administered by the Vatican. While the Vatican draws millions of visitors each year to view its art and history, many of these objects have never been on display before, even in Rome.
"We are delighted to bring this once in a lifetime opportunity to San Antonio especially in light of the recent passing of Pope John Paul II," said Peter Radetsky, Ph.D., Content Developer for Clear Channel Exhibitions, the producer of the Vatican exhibit. "This exhibit has something for everyone --people of all faiths, historians, art lovers and students who come to admire the various elements, which include history, art, architecture, design and culture."
 Among the most popular and touching objects of the tour is the bronze cast of Pope John Paul II's hand. Visitors may press their hands against it as they exit, symbolizing personal contact with the pope himself. Made specifically for the exhibition, Pope John Paul II consented with great enthusiasm that a cast of his hand be taken and put on view as a sign of welcome along with a personal letter. This gesture reminds attendees of his journeys across the globe and his wish for dialogue with the citizens of the lands he visited.
Highlights of the tour include a fourth century marble headstone; a fifth century fresco of Saint Peter; the Mandylion of Edessa, a fifth century linen painting of the face of Jesus; the original ring of St. Pius X (1903-1914); a jewel-encrusted papal tiara of Pope Pius IX, also worn by Pope John XXIII; a processional cross from the 15th century; a 16th century chalice encrusted with pearls, rock crystal, silver gilt and enamel; the first known map of Australia; a Buddhist devotional cloth, or Thanka, presented by the Dalai Lama for Pope John Paul II; and a crucifix adorned silver pastoral staff of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.
 "This exhibition is about art, history, culture and the Church's legacy over the last 2000 years," said Mark Greenberg, president, Clear Channel Exhibitions. "The Vatican has had a profound and significant affect on society, influencing western culture more than any other source in recorded history.
Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes is a moving tribute to an exquisite assemblage of art and objects associated with the popes."
Greenberg added that the exhibit is not solely about religion, but rather a collection of fine and decorative arts that explores the papacy and its influence on world history.
The objects are on loan from many institutions from Vatican City State including: Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Vatican Museums, the Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter, the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Paul's Outside-the-Walls and the Apostolic Floreria.
Tickets for Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes are on sale through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). Groups of 15 or more can call 1-877-4VATICAN (1-877-482-8422) (USA) or 001-800.906.6625 (Mexico).
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