In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, about 300 members from North America and Europe traveled to Rome to celebrate.

Over the course of several days, members had the opportunity to meet with head curators and restoration directors to learn about the conservation and restoration of the Vatican Museums’ priceless works. They were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Apostolic Palace and heard presentations from several dignitaries within the Vatican, including the Vatican Secretary of State. The highlight of the trip had to be the private audience with Pope Francis I in the Sala Clementina. The Pontiff thanked Patrons for their stewardship of the Church’s heritage of art while challenging those present to allow their actions to be a sign of interior participation in the spiritual life and mission of the Church.
The Anniversary celebrations concluded with two wonderfully spiritual liturgies: Vespers in the Sistine Chapel and Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s.