Michigan Chapter PAVM Events
The Michigan Chapter of the PAVM sponsors several events each year to foster fellowship among the Patrons, to raise funds for its mission, i.e., the restoration and preservation of art in the Vatican Museums, and to encourage others to join and become Patrons.
Some events are local, some feature short ventures within the USA, and some events take us to the Vatican, Rome, Europe and beyond.
All events include a mixture of artistic, cultural, spiritual, and entertainment values.
Upcoming Events
September 2-4, 2024
Mackinac Island, Michigan
MI-PAVM Welcomes Dr. Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums, to Mackinac Island
The Michigan Chapter of the PAVM is delighted to welcome Dr. Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums, to the State of Michigan and to join our Michigan Patrons in a time honored Michigan tradition of a summer visit to Mackinac Island. Dr. Jatta will share special insights into the past, present and future of the Museums. In addition to presentations by Dr. Jatta, this event features two nights at The Inn at Stonecliffe, special tours, exceptional food and beverage experiences, and the ferry ride to/from the Island and mainland. Click here to view and download the brochure that includes instruction for online booking.
In order to participate in this event, however, you must be a member of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Visit our website, mipatrons.com and select Join to become a patron.
Past Events
Michigan Patrons have participated in a full range of events over its history, including biennial group trips to Rome, the Vatican and the museums, off the beaten track to Holy Sites and cities, as well as numerous museums visits, lectures, receptions both at home in Michigan and in other parts of the world. The following are brief descriptions and lists of some of the more recent events.
July 17, 2024
Gala Evening to Launch our Newest Restoration Project
This evening Dr. Elizabeth Lev joined us to launch our newest restoration project: the restoration of the Raphael designed tapestry, the Adoration of the Magi. The restoration is estimated to take eight years to complete at a cost of $1.2 million. Dr. Liv recounted the history of the use of tapestry to adorn homes, palaces, and places of worship, and to teach the faith. This particular tapestry was designed by artist Raphael, and manufacture of Pieter van Aelst of Brussels in 1524-1531. It hung in the Gallery of Tapestries in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The evening was generously sponsored by Cantoro Italian Market and Corporate Travel.
Wish to make a donation to support the restoration of the Adoration of the Maji? Click on DONATE.
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December 6, 2023
MI-PAVM Annual Evening of Fellowship
This year’s annual event was held at the Detroit Athletic Club. We were extremely pleased to host Sister Raffaella Petrini, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, and the Secretary General of the Vatican Governorate of Vatican City State, the highest ranking woman in Vatican history, as our Honored Guest.
November 4-11, 2023
40th Anniversary of the PAVM
This event marked the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Some 300 Patrons representing Chapters from around the world were in attendance, including several Michigan Patrons. The PAVM Vatican office and the Director of the Vatican Museums, Dr. Barbara Jatta, went out of their way to say thank you to all Patrons for their contribution to the restoration and preservation of countless works of art that have been restored and preserved for the ages through your efforts and generosity. Among the highlights of the week were private tours throughout the Vatican and Rome, exclusive receptions and dinners, lectures by Dr. Elizabeth Lev, art historian and author, as well as interaction with the Museum’s restoration experts. The Patrons were extremely blessed to have a private audience with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The week concluded with a 40th Anniversary Mass celebrated by followed by a Gala reception and dinner in the Vatican Museums.
October 1-6, 2023
Michigan Patrons of the Arts Enjoyed a Bespoke Tour of Rome
This was a wonderful opportunity for new and sustaining Patrons to experience Rome and the privileges associated with being a PAVM. In early October the Michigan Chapter Patrons journeyed on a bespoke tour of Rome and an insiders look at the Vatican. The trip included private tours with Dr. Elizabeth Lev, special seating at the weekly Papal Audience, and visits to the Vatican Library and Pauline Chapel. Also on the itinerary was a behind the scenes look at the Vatican Museums’ Restoration Labs and an after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel followed by a gala reception and dinner.
April 1, 2023 - Virtual
The Journey to Jerusalem - Virtual Event
For more than five millennia, Jerusalem has been a place of pilgrimage. Our virtual journey crosses sea, mountains and valleys while recounting the importance of the Holy City for Jews, Christians and Muslims. The Crusades were launched to liberate the holy sites from Muslim invaders in the 11th century. The city once housed the celebrated temple of Solomon which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. We follow the most popular routes and visit some of the famous sites of the Holy Land.
Saturday, April 1, via Zoom.
February 25, 2023 - Virtual
The Road to Rome - Virtual Event
The adage claims “all roads lead to Rome.” Since its foundation close to 3000 years ago, Rome has drawn people from every part of the globe. As it stretched across Europe to form an empire, Rome influenced all levels of life. The presence of St. Peter and St. Paul, whom tradition claims died in Rome, has drawn pilgrims for centuries to pray at their tombs. Our virtual tour traces the medieval pilgrimage trail called the Via Frangigena, the route from Canterbury to Rome. February 25, via Zoom.
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
MI-PAVM Annual Evening of Fellowship
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Thursday, June 2, 2022
A Journey with the Saints to the Upper Room
The setting was the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. The event was an exclusive sneak peek into the cathedral’s developing pilgrimage to encounter the Holy Apostles. Following Mass celebrated by our Chaplin and the Rector of the Cathedral, Father JJ Mech, Patrons and guests were invited to spend quiet time among the Apostles and other saints and to venerate their relics. Truly a solemn yet joyful event. A meal and time for fellowship followed. Individuals and Church groups who would like more information are encouraged to contact The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
MI-PAVM Annual Evening of Fellowship
This year’s gala event was held at The Inn at St. John, Plymouth, Michigan. Guests arrived at the beautiful resort complex as the sun was setting. The beauty of the evening was amplified by celebration of Holy Mass in the Inn’s very own Chapel of Saints Mary and Joseph; the Very Reverend Father JJ Mech, MI-PAVM Chaplin and Rector of Detroit Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament presiding and assisted by Patron and Deacon Dom Pastore. Following Mass, patrons and guests were treated to a reception and gourmet dinner in the beautiful seasonally decorated dining room. The special guest speaker for the evening was Duncan Stroik, Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture and founding editor of the Sacred Architecture Journal. Dr. Stroik specializes in all aspects of Roman Catholic sacred architecture and this evening spoke of the Myths and Truths of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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November 6-12, 2021 -- Rome, the Vatican, Vatican Museums and More!
Several Michigan Chapter Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums experienced a truly once-in-a-lifetime bespoke tour to Rome and the Vatican! Click on the image to the left to see a photographic journal of the events that made this trip so very special: visits to historic churches, Basilicas, and Cathedrals, including an insiders tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Mass daily in historically significant churches, a private evening concert by members of the Sistine Choir, a visit the Vatican’s Mosaic Studio, opportunity to meet and spend time with the Rome PAVM staff and therestorers responsible for caring bringing our works to life, special seating for Pope Francis’ Papal Audience and special greeting for our generous patrons, private meals in private clubs as well as inside the Vatican (including lunch at the Santa Marta where Pope Francis dines (sorry, no photo allowed!), a visit to the room where St. Mother Teresa stayed in Rome, an after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and a Patrons’ reception and candlelit gala dinner in the Vatican Museums. Joining the Michigan contingent on this tour was the renowned speaker, commentator and sacred art historian, Dr. Elizabeth Lev, who guided us though some of her favorite places in Rome, including the amazing Renaissance Villa Farnesina, the archeological site of Ostia Antica, and Dr. Lev’s incomparable tour, The Women Who Rocked Rome.
2021 -- Summer Event | Wednesday, August 18, 2021
After what seemed like a long pause in events due to the coronavirus pandemic, the MI-PAVM was able to host a Summer Event in August for our Patrons, Friends, and Families with food and libations, and an opportunity to listen and learn from one of the most entertaining art historians of all time, Dr. Elizabeth Lev. Dr. Lev gave a fascinating presentation on the era of The Grand Tour, a time in which Rome, its art and its culture were unveiled to the world. It was also a time when the idea of ‘going on pilgrimage’ began to gain popularity. Rome captivated visitors, both secular and religious, and was a haven for artists. The response of the Vatican Museums and the significant role of the Popes was of great interest. (Click on an image to launch a slideshow)
Private Wine Tasting with Dr. Liz Lev & Dr. Thomas Williams | Aug 2020
The Michigan Chapter with guest of honor, International Director of the PAVM, Fr. Kevin Lixey, LC, hosted a properly socially distanced wine tasting event at Antonio’s Cucina Italiano, Canton, MI. Drs. Lev and Williams provided entertaining stories of wines, their vintners and drinkers; all intertwined with spiritual and cultural artistic expressions.
Annual Advent Evening of Fellowship | Dec 2019
This year’s annual Advent and pre-Holiday Event was held at the Bloomfield Hills Country Club. The event began with the celebration of Holy Mass at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church with the Very Reverend JJ Mech presiding. The special guest speakers were Arron Steel, conservation imaging specialist, and Ellen Hanspach-Bernal, painting conservator with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).
An Afternoon at the DIA | Oct 2019
The MI-PAVM enjoyed an afternoon at the DIA where they were presented with information on the newest restoration project undertaken by the Michigan Chaper: the restoration of the first Popemobile, the 1929 Graham Paige automobile manufactured in Detroit and designed specifically for use by the Holy Father. Romina Cometti from the International Office in the Vatican was on hand to unveil the exciting preliminary plans for the first museum restoration to occur outside the Vatican walls. Plans include shipping the Popemobile to specialists in Indiana where it will be restored and then exhibited in a number of locations in the USA before returning to its permanent home in the Vatican Museum’s Carriage Museum.
Rome and Vatican Trip | Sept 2019
This once in a lifetime trip to Rome and the Vatican included several venues exclusive to Patrons. The Director of the Museums, Dr. Barbara Jatta, was on hand to greet the Patrons and provide an update on recent museum events and thank them for their patronage. Cardinal Bertello, President of the Vatican, celebrated Mass for the Patrons in a private chapel in the Vatican Gardens. Afterwards patrons and guests enjoyed a private after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel guided by Dr. Elizabeth Lev, followed by a candlelight dinner held in the museums. One evening US Ambassador Gingrich welcomed the Patrons for a reception at the American Embassy to the Holy See. During day trips the group visited the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gondolfo, the famed Vatican Observatory, and St. Peter’s and other major basilicas in Rome.
Advent Evening of Fellowship |Dec 2018
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Unveiling Ancient Beauty, The Hidden Art of Restoration | Nov 2018
Father Kevin Lixey, LC, the International Director of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, was guest speaker at the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) as a participant in their Sheppy Dog Fund Pop-up Lecture series. Father Lixey provided an insider view to the fascinating world of art restoration that is carried out on a daily basis in the Vatican museums. Attendees were amazed by the before and after pictures of the restorations. The FIA’s Sheppy Dog Fund Lecture series has been established to address topics of art, religion, and history prior to the 19th century.
Raising the Galero of Edmund Cardinal Szoka
Edmund Cardinal Szoka, a Michigan native, former Bishop of Gaylord, and Archbishop of Detroit, was called to the Vatican in 1990 by then Pope John Paul II to serve the Church as the President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican State and President of the Governatorate of Vatican City State. Among his accomplishments while serving the Church from the Vatican were the advancement of the Vatican Museums and the formation of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Cardinal Szoka passed away in August 2014. The Archdiocese of Detroit held a ceremony to honor Cardinal Szoka and to raise his galero, the Bishop’s red tasseled hat, on August 18, 2018, in The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
Art's Influence on Faith | May 2018
Father Mark Haydu, LC, the former International Director of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, was a special guest of the Michigan Patrons on May 19, joining them for refreshments and a venture into art’s influence on our faith. Father Mark is the author of several works on sacred art, including Meditations on Vatican Art, and Meditations on Vatican Art: Angels. “Beauty surrounds us in nature, in the people we serve, in the smallest details shared by someone who loves us, and in the architecture of our cities, towns, and villages. If we learn to look with the eyes of an artist–the eyes of a prayerful wonderer–we can learn to see the love of our Creator at every turn.” states Father Mark. Proceeds from the evening’s event supported the Raphael Tapestry Restoration project being funded by the Michigan Chapter.
In addition to the above recent events, the Michigan Patrons have organized and enjoyed sponsoring the following events:
- Annual December Advent Event | December 2017
- Pilgrimage to Rome and the Vatican | November 2017
- Sistine Chapel Choir Historic Visit to the US | September 2017
- Annual Advent Fellowship Event | December 2016
- St. Anne of the Gospel Tympanum Sculpture Blessing | December 2016
- Port Huron Gathering | August 2016
- Exclusive Historic Preview Showing of the Tympanum Art Piece Being Created for the Archdiocese of Detroit | April 2016
- Advent Evening of Fellowship | December 2015
- Artistic Connections Between Wine and Soul | August 2015
- Mediterranean Cruise and Rome Extension | May 2015
- Advent Christmas Celebration | December 2014
- Cooking Demo and Talk by Father Leo Patalinghung | October 2014
- Reception and Dinner with Commandante Daniel Arnig | August 2014
- Toronto & Niagara on the Lake Tour | August 2014
- Eric Genius Piano Concert | April 2014
- Annual Advent and Holiday Event | December 2013
- 30th Anniversary Trip to Rome, Italy | October 2013
- Flower Arranging Class | April 2012