If you like art and are under 45 years of age, the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is looking for you. The patrons provide the main source of revenue for the Vatican Museums’ art restoration projects, which include Catholic and sacred art from all traditions, according to the group’s website. Chapters are located around the globe including one in Illinois. The local group recently created an associate board, which is open to people aged 45 and under. It’s the only associate board in the country. This group is offered a reduced membership rate of $250 a year. Membership for the main board is $600 a year. The funds go to support work at the Vatican and local events. “It’s an interesting mission with a global impact,” said Morgan Hennington, a founding associate board member and first vice chairperson. The Vatican Museums are the main generator of funds for the City State as all papal Masses and audiences are free of admission and entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica is gratis. Revenue from ticket sales only covers basic maintenance, insurance, security and staff, leaving little money for restoration or modernization. For more information visit vaticanpatronschicago.org.
Local group helps preserve art in Vatican Museums For 25 years, Catholics from the Archdiocese of Chicago and across Illinois have been among those contributing to the restoration of priceless works of art in the Vatican Museums.