La Pieta replica in Inverness

A full-sized replica of Michelangelo’s La Pieta, licensed by the Vatican Observatory Foundation, will be available for public viewing at Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness through the end of May.

The sculpture of Mary cradling the dead body of Christ in her lap is considered one of the masterpieces of sacred art.

Holy Family is only the fourth church in the country to display this sculpture. More than 130 churches requested the opportunity to exhibit the artwork during this period.

“We are truly fortunate to host this stunning and inspiring artwork during a significant time in the liturgical year,” said the Rev. Terry Keehan, Holy Family’s pastor.

“Hosting La Pieta fulfills one of Holy Family’s principal goals of engaging and sustaining all in our spiritual mission. Visitors can get a close look at the majesty and detail of La Pieta, and contemplate the inspirational nature of this sacred artwork.”

La Pieta is a study in spiritual beauty that was Michelangelo’s idea.

The full-sized replica is cast using a proprietary marble blend, faithfully depicting the detail and subtlety of the original.

For security reasons, the original sculpture in Rome is behind bullet proof glass and must be viewed from 30 feet away, making examination of the details more difficult.

The replica is painstakingly hand finished by master artisans, showing the nuanced folds of Mary’s garments, limp muscles in Jesus’ body and Michelangelo’s personal signature on the delicate sash that runs across Mary’s body.

Vescovo Buonarroti Art, LLC, was granted the exclusive worldwide license by the Vatican Observatory Foundation to create and distribute this official replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

La Pieta will be on display in Holy Family’s Narthex. Recommended public viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. A presentation about the meaning of religious art is planned for early May.

“The ability to share this magnificent sculpture with people throughout the Chicago area and the Tri-State region would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the Knights of Columbus and the Marian Ministry,” Keehan said.

“They brought the opportunity to us and handled numerous details to make this possible. Their efforts are a great example of the vibrant and engaged parishioners who belong to Holy Family.”

Holy Family Catholic Community is at 2515 Palatine Road, in Inverness. For details, visit holyfamilyparish.org or call (847) 359-0042.

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