Canadians keen to support Vatican Museums

TORONTO - In his first visit to Canada, Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, president of the pontifical commission for Vatican City State, thanked Canadians for their financial support of Vatican City art and artifacts.

He joined the Canadian chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums and Canadian church officials in Toronto for a reception at the home of members Peter and Lydia Sharpe June 10.

“The people of the great country of Canada have always been keenly aware of the importance of preserving history in its many forms — whether it be paintings, architecture, sculptures, poetry or narratives,” he said. “Because of your personal commitment and generosity as patrons of the Vatican Museums, millions of individuals, both young and old, from all around the globe can gaze upon and be inspired by the God-given talents of ancient civilizations, medieval thinkers, renaissance painters and modern artists whose works tell not only the world’s history but also our own personal and man’s search for meaning.”

The latest financial commitment of the patrons in Canada, which has more than 100 members, was to the necropolis of Santa Rosa over the past two years. The necropolis, discovered in 2003, was deemed the most important archeological find of the past century, with tombs dating back to the first century B.C and the fourth century AD. For the preservation and restoration of all new discoveries and current museum displays, the Vatican relies completely on donations from the patrons and other personal supporters. 

During the reception, Teresa Tomory, head of the Hawthorn School for Girls in Toronto, presented a cheque for $3,000 (U.S.) raised by staff and students.

Special reception guests included Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins, Archbishop Luigi Ventura, apostolic nuncio to Canada, and Fr. Mark Haydu, international director of the patrons of the arts in the Vatican Museums.