- Some of the world's most treasured religious and secular works of art are being brought to life after centuries of dust and dirt accumulation, thanks to a small group of generous art lovers. In this video, Fr. Michael Rock, O. de M. talks about the Vatican Museums and the importance of the Catholic Church as a patron and protector of the arts. Art is an essential part of the culture of a people. These patrons are those who donate funds to restore paintings, statues, tapestries and other works. When people donate they contribute to the future. The restoration laboratories there are the most sophisticated of their type in the world.
Images are shown in the video of paintings that are being restored, including the Sistine Chapel.
Today there are Patrons of the Arts chapters in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Ohio. Patrons get privileged access to some of the greatest works of art in the world. Families and individuals can adopt a project, which is a particular piece of art. The patrons are looking for new members to join. Members enjoy many benefits, including the fellowship of being a member.
For more information and to become a member, go to the Facebook page of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, at Or visit the website of the worldwide patrons, at
Fr. Rock is a member of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum. Fr. Rock is a priest of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, and is the pastor and vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Philadelphia.
This interview appeared on RVN-TV on Good Friday, April 19, 2019.
For more information about the Mercedarian Friars USA, go to
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