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CHAPTER VISIT TO THE HOLY STAIRS RESTORATIONS
November 15, 2017
On a magnificent Saturday morning this autumn, the Vatican Museums welcomed around twenty members of the Italian & International Patrons in the evocative Piazza of San Giovanni in Laterano, for a visit to the Holy Stairs, one of the most sacred and spiritually engaging places of the Eternal City. The group was welcomed by Chapter President and Co-Founder Sabrina Zappia, Mary Angela Schroth, Coordinator of the Holy Stairs Project, and by Father Ottaviano D'Egidio, Superior General Emeritus of the Passionist Fathers and Superintendent of the Holy Stairs. Fr Ottaviano accompanied the Patrons to discover the treasures held in the Sancta Sanctorum, the first Papal Chapel rebuilt in 1277, on the ruins of the previous building dating back to the 8th century, as well as the inside of the Lateranean chapels of St. Sylvester, San Lorenzo and the Crucifixion, whose restoration was completed in 2016.
The Patrons were able to admire wonderful paintings, including graffiti dating to 1645, the splendid architectural decorations of the Papal Chapels and the two main staircases, recently reopened to the public, thanks also to the support from the Patrons. In addition, they had the extraordinary opportunity to enter the restoration site led by the master Paolo Violini, Supervisor of the restoration project of the Lateranian chapels on behalf of the Vatican Museums and world-renowned restorer. The visit ended with a reception in SALA UNO International Center of Contemporary Art, an art gallery located near the secret gardens of the Holy Stairs, an exquisite corner of paradise unknown to most Romans.
The representatives of the Italian & International Patrons wish to express their most vivid thanks to Father Ottaviano d'Egidio, Maestro Paolo Violini and Mary Angela Schroth for their invaluable contribution in making this wonderful and unforgettable visit to the Scala Santa Maria possible.
Appreciations also extended to Isobelle Coventry who assisted the Patrons throughout the visit.
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