When did you join the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums and how did you first become involved?

Neil and I joined PAVM in January of 2017. Although we only knew a little bit about PAVM from our past visits to Rome, we did not know the depth of support PAVM is for the Vatican Art restoration. The previous Georgia Chapter leaders were stepping down and Fr. Mark Haydu and Fr Kevin Lixey asked if we would chair the Georgia Chapter. Well, who could turn those two down!

 

What made you decide to become a Member of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums?

Once we heard about all the needs of the Vatican Museum art and building restoration, our love for Rome, and passion for art, we felt that it was a charitable organization that would be a perfect fit for us!

 

What have you enjoyed the most about being a Patron?

I have really enjoyed working with so many wonderful people including Dr Barbara Jatta, Fr Kevin Lixey, LC, the PAVM staff, and of course all the other Patrons. Being able to be at the museum before the public is admitted is such a special and surreal experience, something so hard to express in words. And lastly, it is an amazing feeling to know that our contributions will help ensure that future generations will enjoy the spiritual beauty and history of our Catholic faith.

 

Who are your favorite artists in the Vatican Museums?

Of course, who could not love Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Di Vinci along with countless others?  When you are standing in the Sistine Chapel or in the Raphael Rooms and admire the amazing talent that these artists had, you know that the Grace of the Holy Spirit is within all of us.

 

Are there particular artworks or galleries that are special to you?

Raphael’s Transfiguration will always be one of my favorites.  It shows the essence of God’s love for us, and his will through the Holy Spirit to embrace us, forgive our sins and bring us to eternal life.

 

How has art had an impact on you, your family, or even your community?

I have always enjoyed art, in particular, religious art, but being a Patron has allowed me to experience art to a depth I never realized was possible.

 

What do you look forward to most at chapter events/ visits? If you haven’t had a chance to go on a visit to any events, do you have plans to attend one soon?

I love meeting the other Patrons and hearing about the amazing trips that they have had to Rome while being a Patron, visiting the Museums, the Restoration Labs, and meeting the staff.  It is truly an experience like no other and the excitement in their voice tells the entire story!

 

Do you have a particular story or memory you would like to share about your experience at the Vatican Museums?

Very recently, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Rome with my daughter who is doing a summer internship in Rome.  On one of the evenings while there, I was fortunate to be able to join some of the Texas and New York Patrons at the Vatican. The evening started with celebrating Mass at the Governatorato Chapel with Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, a private tour of the Vatican Museums, cocktails in one of the Vatican Courtyards with Fr Kevin Lixey, LC and Dr. Barbara Jatta as well as a Gala Dinner inside the Museums.  It was one of the most amazingly beautiful evenings of my life!  

 

What inspired your chapter to adopt the Pair of Umbrian Decorated Panels with Saints?

The artwork was chosen for restoration because several PAVM Georgia Chapter members had visited the area of its origin (Umbria, Italy) and felt a connection to the piece.

 

Have you been able to or have plans to come to see the finished restoration?

Although the restoration is not finished yet, I have seen pictures of the work in progress, and hope to see it in person when I visit in September.