Vatican Museum: Beauty that Unites 33

Beauty creates communion. It unites onlookers from a distance, uniting past, present and future. Pope Francis has recalled this on a number of occasions. The Church has always translated the universality of the Good News into the language of art. From this premise, this dramatic moment in history characterized by uncertainty and isolation, gives rise to this initiative which is a partnership between the Vatican Museum and Vatican News: Masterpieces from the Vatican Collection accompanied by comments from the words of the Popes.

Federico Barocci; Rest on the Flight to Egype, known as "The Madonna of the Cherries", oil on canvas, 1570-73, Vatican Museum, Art Gallery, © Musei Vaticani

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction,
and have implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse. Defend,
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family,
the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us,
O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption.
Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict
with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou
didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life,
so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares
of the enemy and from all adversity.
Shield us ever under thy patronage, that,
following thine example and strengthened by thy help,
we may live a holy life, die a happy death,
and attain to everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.

(Leo XIII, Prayer to Saint Joseph, Encyclical Quamquam Pluries, 15 August 1889)

Under the direction of: Paolo Ondarza

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