A new Pontifical Exhibition, “Peter and Patrimony,” has opened at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter Street in Chicago. This permanent exhibition was created out of gratitude to St. Peter and his Successors, the Vicars of Christ. It also serves as a lasting tribute to Our Savior for choosing St. Peter as His “Rock” of our faith, and the Christian legacy that has come down to us today. ”Peter and Patrimony” can be seen on Sunday mornings, after any of the Masses, or by arrangement.
Highlights of the Pontifical Exhibition:
—The Pius Collection (personal items belonging to Pope Pius XII)
-His handkerchief, embroidered with initials
-His signature, signed on parchment with black fountain pen
-His papal Zucchetto, made of white watered silk and lined in fine calfskin suede
-His Pontifical Shoes, made of Moracin leather and dyed red, showing significant signs of wear on the bottom souls (these were the “everyday shoes” he wore until his death in 1958)
—First, Second, and Third Class Relics of Pope Saint Pius X
-His Pontifical Stole
-Articles of Clothing
-Piece of his Bone (ex ossibus)
—The Pontifical Missal of Pope Leo XIII
-Missal used at St. Peter’s Basilica in 1888 for the Canonization Mass of St. Peter Claver, St. John Berchman, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, and the Seven Servite Founders
—Pontifical Agnus Dei Seals
-Issued from various Popes, including Pope Leo XIII, Popes Pius IX, X, XI, XII, and Pope Paul VI, the last one to be issued
—A Piece from the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
-A brick from the Porta Santa of St. Peter’s Basilica opened by Pope Saint John Paul II during his Pontificate
—Commemorative Reproductions
-The Papal Tiara of Pope Urban VIII, often worn by Pope Saint John XIII
-Hammer and Mortar Trowel of the Santa Porta, as was used by Pope Saint John Paul II in the Millennium Year of 2000 Anno Domini
-Papal Currency and various Vatican used items of artistic and historic value
There is no cost to see the Pontifical Exhibition. Any donation, however, will be kindly accepted.