Exact casting of Michelangelo’s Pietà placed at the Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

SAN ANTONIO • The Shrine of St. Padre Pio and Arte Divine, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, announced that a life-size marble casting of Michelangelo’s Pietà was placed at the Shrine of St. Padre Pio on Oct. 21.

The famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion. The Vatican Observatory Foundation has authorized and licensed the creation of only 100 Pietà marble castings from a mold derived from the original Pietà. While some have been acquired by private collectors, most of the castings are being acquired by generous private or corporate benefactors and then donated to Catholic cathedrals, churches, hospitals, and academic settings as legacy gifts.

Perhaps the most beautiful sculpture ever created, the Pietà is the only piece of art Michelangelo ever signed. He considered it to be the consummate expression of both his talent and the Divine inspiration that he believed to be the guiding hand behind his work.

Under an exclusive license with the Vatican Observatory Foundation, Arte Divine has created the sculpture in cast Carrara marble from moldings derived from the original Pietà. The result is a precise, exact casting that is faithful to the original Pietà.

“We are so grateful to have the Shrine of St. Padre Pio selected for an exact replica of one of the greatest works of religious art ever created,” said Msgr. Patrick J. Ragsdale, pastor of St. Padre Pio. “To be able to share this truly moving sculpture with our parishioners, the Archdiocese of San Antonio and faithful visitors coming from all parts of Texas is an extraordinary opportunity.”
Msgr. Pat Ragsdale celebrated the placement with an official unveiling and ceremony.

“We are honored to place Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pietà, at the Shrine of St. Padre Pio said Pat Kerivan of Arte Divine. “It is Arte Divine’s mission to place Michelangelo’s Pietà in 100 sacred and secular settings around the world. In so doing, we hope to elevate the hearts and minds of millions of the faithful who may not have the opportunity to travel to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome and personally experience the transcendent beauty of this divinely inspired work that is Michelangelo’s Pietà.”

Arte Divine is a worldwide distributor of the Vatican Observatory Foundation’s licensed reproduction of Michelangelo Buonarroti’s Pietà and his many other sculptures. For information on how your church can participate in this limited opportunity, contact Pat Kerivan at (602) 952-9210, [email protected] or artedivine.com.

The Vatican Observatory Foundation (VOF) generates revenue in support of the Vatican Observatory to foster its mission of scientific education, research and discovery.