The preparation for the General Congregation inevitably
includes a number of logistical projects. The Curia and the
Canisius Residence buildings have undergone considerable
renovation. Away from the Cuia, in the Gesù Church, the
restoration of Saint Ignatius altar is proceeding well and
there is no doubt that it will be ready for the opening Mass
of the General Congregation on January 8 at 10:00
The altar is considered a masterpiece of Brother Andrea Pozzo
(1642-1709) who succeeded in giving a visual expression to the
basic elements in the Spiritual Exercises: The Trinity, the
Incarnation, the monogram of the name of Jesus, the mission of
the Society and many other elements of the Ignatian
spirituality. Presiding the symbolic creation is the statue of
Saint Ignatius, originally cast in silver. The statue was lost
during the French revolution and replaced in 1798 by an
imitation with stucco head, hands and legs around the original
chasuble.
According to the artistic tendencies of the time, Pozzo
conceived the altar as a theatrical whole composed of various
scenes. Following also the taste of the day, Pozzo created a
piece of cloth which will ordinarily conceal the statue of
Saint Ignatius. On given occasions, by means of a clever
mechanism the cloth will slide down and the statue will appear
in all its splendour. This piece of cloth is of high artistic
value deteriorated now by the passing of time and the humidity
of Rome. It is being restored now and Father Daniele Libanori,
SJ., Rector of the church, intends to restore the use of the
cloth in favour of promoting the devotion of Saint Ignatius.
The statue would be ordinarily concealed behind the cloth, as
Pozzo wanted, and be exposed at the certain hours previously
established and communicated. This somewhat “theatrical touch”
will possibly attract greater number of visitors of the church
and provide an occasion to present the essence of Jesuit
spirituality.
Events