Thanks to Patron Kathleen Huston, the Patrons will have a complemen-tary tour for our members of the special exhibition “The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Art of Bhutan” at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco onMarch 13, 2009. This unique exhibition includes some 150 objects whichhave never before left Bhutan. Many of the objects are still used in rituals inBuddhist temples and monasteries throughout the Kingdom. Following thevisit, we will enjoy a reception. Invitations with further details will be sent inJanuary 2009.

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE

VATICAN MUSEUMS

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTSIN THE

VATICAN MUSEUMS

Winter 2008

301 N. Lake Ave., Suite 900Pasadena, CA 91101

Messaggero

Save the Date: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco on March 13, 2009

On Friday, November 7, 2008, some 130Patrons gathered at The California Club indowntown Los Angeles to celebrate the 25th

Anniversary of our foundation. The black tie galaconcluded a year of festivities which included cocktailreceptions at Patrons homes in the Bay Area, SantaBarbara and Newport, private tours of the newChinese Gardens at the Huntington, a docent-led visitto the Bernini Exhibit at the Getty, and an October tripto Rome.

The evening began with a reception of cocktailsand hors d’ oeuvres. Pictures of several of the projectsundertaken by the Patrons over the years were exhib-ited on easels throughout the large room.Accompanied by the music from a pianist, Patrons mingledwith old and new friends. Chairman Michael Scott Feeleyacted as master of ceremonies and introduced our specialguests: Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, the governor general ofVatican City; Professor Antonio Paolucci, the Director of theVatican Museums; Fr. Mark Haydu, the InternationalDirector of the Patrons; Msgr. Terry Hogan, the NorthAmerican liaison to the Patrons Office; Lorna Richardson,the national coordinator; and the invaluable staff of theVatican Patrons Office, Sara Savodello and Romina Cometti.

In addition, the California Chapter hosted leaders of theother Patrons chapters in the United States, hailing fromNew York, Florida, Texas, Michigan, DC/Baltimore, Illinois,Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Only three current members of the Board of Directors ofthe California Patrons have served continuously for all 25years of our existence: John McDonnell, KathleenMcCarthy, and Barbara “Bobbie” Wilsey. We presentedeach with a hand calligraphied scroll honoring their service.

Continued on page 5

Patrons Silver Anniversary Gala!

Patrons Silver Anniversary Gala!see article on page 1

Karen Dalby chats withKatie Steinke

Lee Romanelliand SusanAberle

Paul Hill talks with Sara Savoldello and Romina Cometti

Fr. Mark Haydu, Cardinal Lajolo, andMichael Feeley laugh with Eric Hansen

Mario andDarleneAntonini greetthe Cardinals

Founding BoardMembers andHonorees BobbieWilsey, JohnMcDonnell, andKathleen McCarthy

They spoke eloquently oftheir joyful experience as aPatron.

Following our appe-tizer of buffalo mozzarellaand tomato salad and amain course of tornadoesof beef tenderloin accom-panied by wonderfulItalian wines, ChairmanFeeley surprised those inattendance with a limitededition hard copy of thehistory of the first 25 yearsof the California Patrons.The Board of Directorscommissioned Patron Dr.Eric Hansen to researchand write about ourfounding and first quartercentury. The beautifullywritten and lavishly illus-trated book is entitledWhatever is Noble, What-ever is Lovely.

Chairman Feeleypresented Dr. Hansen witha framed frontpiece of hisbook and a picture of Dr.Hansen presenting thefirst copy of the book toPope Benedict XVI. Dr.Hansen then gave aremarkable talk on thewonderful friendships andrelationships he discov-ered among the CaliforniaPatrons from our foundingto the present. CardinalLajolo and Prof. Paoluccieach presented insightfulremarks to the Patrons asa seven layer chocolatecake centerpiece with thepapal keys in icing wassliced at each table fordesert. Truly a joyfulevening to commemorateour anniversary!

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS Winter 2008 • 5

We have had a joyous year ofcelebrating our Silver Anniversary.Dr. Hansen’s history has made arecord of our roots and challengesus to even greater accomplish-ments in our next 25 years. Inconjunction with our gala dinneron November 7, Cardinal Lajoloconvened a meeting of the leadersof the U.S. Patrons Chapters. They

joined us for the gala and onSaturday, we met for several hourswith the Vatican Patrons staff todiscuss best practices, issues andopportunities. The CaliforniaChapter is the oldest and largestchapter in the world and we havegreat energy. On the occasion ofour first quarter century, werejoice in what has been done so

far and the friendships that havebeen made; now it is time to moveforward. We will be sendingrenewal notices for 2009 shortly.Please continue your contributionsand encourage your friends to joinour common mission ofpreserving, restoring andpromoting the arts in the VaticanMuseums.

2 • Winter 2008 CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE

VATICAN MUSEUMS

Michael Scott Feeley, Chairman • michael.feeley@lw.com • 213-891-7895Monica M. Lomenzo, Coordinator • mml@monicalomenzo.com

California Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums301 N. Lake Ave., Suite 900, Pasadena, CA 91101

by Michael Scott Feeley

Chairman’s Corner

On September 12,2008, some 40California

Patrons gathered at the J. Paul Getty Center inBrentwood for a privatetour of the exhibition“Bernini and the Birth ofBaroque Portrait Sculp-ture.” The Patrons splitinto two groups, each ledby a gifted docent whoshepherded us throughthe extraordinary works.This is the first majorexhibition of GianLorenzo Bernini’s portraitbusts. Assembled fromseveral Italian museums,including the VaticanMuseums, it is the mostcomprehensive exhibi-tion of the 17th centurymaster’s work. Followingthe tours, the Patron’sconvened in the BoardRoom for a lovely wineand hors d’ oeuvresreception sponsored byPatron Fred Ruopp.

The California Patrons are concerned withpreserving and restoring the arts in theVatican Museums. In order to collect and

preserve the Chapter’s history lest it fade withtime, the Board of Directors commissioned fellowPatron Dr. Eric Hansen to research and write thestory of the founding of the California Patrons andthe history of our first 25 years. Dr. Hansen doveinto the project, unearthing materials, letters andpictures, interviewing dozens of people in theUnited States and in Italy, and researching thevarious objects and projects the Chapter hasundertaken. The result is a magnificent workentitled Whatever is Noble, Whatever is Lovely:Twenty-Five Years of the California Patrons of theArts in the Vatican Museums, published by PatronGeorge Kinney of Castle Press.

The book is divided into two sections. The firstsection recounts the story of our founding, howthe organization evolved and what itaccomplished over a quarter century, and themotivation of the Patrons. The second part of thebook presents the some 75 works of art, scientificequipment, and projects undertaken by theCalifornia Chapter to date. It is beautifully andclearly written, richly illustrated, and carefullyresearched. We are fortunate to have such a giftedscholar work to preserve our history.

Patrons Unveil History Book

Patrons Tour BerniniExhibition

Chris andNancy Cooper

raise a glass

Bob and Lois Erburu enjoy the reception

Bob Tusquellas toasts MaryMargaret Thompson and her guest

Gala from page 1

Eric Hansenaddresses thePatrons

Don andMonicaFischbeckwithRaymondRodeno

Richard andMaria Grantwith CardinalLajolo

Tim Buschconverses withCardinal Lajolo

Paul and KellyWorkman withVicki McLoonand JulianneO'Connor

LornaRichardson and

Fr. Justin Ramos

George Hawleyand Monica

Lomenzo

Michael andJanet Feeley

CEM and JudyMartin withRichard andson MichaelAberle

Linda and Roger Chaix withLorna Richardson

Michael Feeley raises Dr. Hansen's gift

Linda andBrian Prinngreet Msgr.Larry Baird

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS Winter 2008 • 3

California Patrons in RomeThe California Patrons enjoyed

an extraordinary visit to the EternalCity in October. Twenty-nine Cali-fornia Patrons—Gene Ceccotti, LizCronin, Gigi Cronin, MollyCrowley, Janet and Michael Feeley,Eric Hansen, Kathleen Huston,Carol and Paul Hill, Donna and DonKelleher, Carolyn and BruceLudwig, Kathleen McCarthy, MarciMcCarthy, Barbara and NeilMcDaniel, John McDonnell, Lindaand Brian Prinn, Margie and TomRomano, Randy and Greg Stanis-lawski, Kathy and Bob Tusquellas—met on the rooftop of the GrandHotel de la Minerva overlookingthe Pantheon for cocktails anddinner.

Under the leadership of 25thAnniversary Chairman JohnMcDonnell, the Patrons enjoyedexceptional access and uniqueevents. On Monday, following aprivate tour of the Scavi and St.Peter’s. Cardinal Lajolo celebratedMass for us in his chapel where hearranged for a famous Irish tenor tosing. That evening, U.S. Ambas-sador Mary Ann Glendonentertained us at her home, VillaRichardson, and her daughter gaveus a talk on Patronage. On Tuesday,we began with a private tour of theEgyptian Museum with the curatorDr. Alessia Amenta. She then gaveus a presentation on theirsuccessful project to repair a royalmummy in an innovative manner.Then, the Museum’s Chief Restorer,Maurizio De Luca, gave us a pres-entation on revelations discoveredin the Sistine Chapel restorations.We took a coffee break amid thepaleochristian artifacts before Dr.Utro, the curator of the EarlyChristian collection, gave us apassionate presentation on theimportance of Christian sarcophagiand the painstaking process toclean them. We wandered through

the Etruscan Galleries led by thecurator and ended on the fabulousEtruscan Terrace overlooking all ofRome for a sumptuous lunch.

On Wednesday, we had primeseats at the papal audience whereEric Hansen, Michael Feeley andJohn McDonnell presented thehistory of the California Patrons toPope Benedict. We retreated to theHotel Columbus for lunch, withCardinal Foley droppingby to greet us. Thatevening we assembled atthe Pinacoteca, theVatican picture gallery fora tour led by the curatorof the collection. Aftercocktails on the candlelitterrace and greetings fromthe Museum DirectorAntonio Paolucci, wedined sumptuouslybeneath the Caravaggiosin the Pinacoteca.

Several members spentThursday on an optional tour toOrvieto and Todi, while otherstook a free day in Rome. In theevening, several Patrons dined withthe Egyptian Ambassador to theHoly See at her residence on thetop of the Aventine Hill. Ambas-sador Mekhemar is a good friend ofPatrons Carolyn and Bruce Ludwig,who were on the trip.

Dr. Hansen took us Fridaymorning on a walking tourof the earliest Christianchurches in Trastevere. Inthe afternoon, we touredour restoration project, theSistine Chapel in SantaMaria Maggiore. Thisincluded climbing the scaf-folding in the dome withthe restoration experts asthey explained their work.Cardinal Law, the arch-priest of the Basilica,

Continued on page 4

Cardinal Mahonydescribes the papalconclave to DonKelleher andKathleen McCarthy

U.S. AmbassadorMary Ann Glendonand EgyptianAmbassador LamiaMekhemer at VillaRichardson

Cardinal William Leveda, CardinalRoger Mahony, and British AmbassadorFrancis Campbell dine with the Patronsin the Museums

Greg Stanislawski deep in the dome ofthe Sistine Chapel restoration project

4 • Winter 2008 CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS

celebrated a beautiful Mass for usin the Sforza Chapel and then wehad a tour of the private areas ofthe Basilica. The Cardinal hosted usfor drinks at his residence beforeaccompanying us to dinner.

We toured the Santa RosaNecropolis on Saturday morning.This remarkable excavation onlyrecently opened and is not gener-ally visited. It is a 2000 year oldunderground cemetery. We literallywalked among the ancient skele-tons. After our visit, ArchbishopHarvey, the Master of the PapalHousehold, gave us a tour of theprivate areas of the papal palace.Thanks to Patron Tim Busch, wewere shown the recently restoredJulius II rooms, where ArchbishopBurke is currently residing, andArchbishop Harvey’s living quartersin the papal palace. We returned inthe late afternoon for Mass cele-brated by Patron Cardinal RogerMahony in the newly restored

seventh century church of SantaStefano degli Abissini behind St.Peter’s. With the museums closed,we were guided by RominaCometti through the Sistine Chapeland then Cardinal Mahony sharedhis reflections on participating inthe conclave in the Sistine Chapelto elect the Pope. We wanderedthrough the Rafael Stanzas to theBelvedere Courtyard for drinksamid the statues. Cardinal WilliamLeveda, prefect of the Congregationof the Faith, and the British Ambas-sador to the Holy See joined us fora wonderful concluding dinner.The first international director ofthe Patrons, Dr. Walter Persegati,shared reflections and fellowshipwith the group.

What an exciting trip filled withfellowship, beauty, and education!

Rome from page 3

BarbaraMcDaniel

in theEgyptianMuseum

Gigi Cronin, Liz Cronin, and Molly Crowleyoverlooking the Pantheon

Janet Feeley, Kathy Tusquellas, Margie Romano, & RandyStanislawski behind St. Peter's

The Patrons eating—again

caption

Curator Utro greets the Patrons at the Basilica of SantaMaria Maggiore

Gene Ceccotti and Patrons wander in the Necropolis

They spoke eloquently oftheir joyful experience as aPatron.

Following our appe-tizer of buffalo mozzarellaand tomato salad and amain course of tornadoesof beef tenderloin accom-panied by wonderfulItalian wines, ChairmanFeeley surprised those inattendance with a limitededition hard copy of thehistory of the first 25 yearsof the California Patrons.The Board of Directorscommissioned Patron Dr.Eric Hansen to researchand write about ourfounding and first quartercentury. The beautifullywritten and lavishly illus-trated book is entitledWhatever is Noble, What-ever is Lovely.

Chairman Feeleypresented Dr. Hansen witha framed frontpiece of hisbook and a picture of Dr.Hansen presenting thefirst copy of the book toPope Benedict XVI. Dr.Hansen then gave aremarkable talk on thewonderful friendships andrelationships he discov-ered among the CaliforniaPatrons from our foundingto the present. CardinalLajolo and Prof. Paoluccieach presented insightfulremarks to the Patrons asa seven layer chocolatecake centerpiece with thepapal keys in icing wassliced at each table fordesert. Truly a joyfulevening to commemorateour anniversary!

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS Winter 2008 • 5

We have had a joyous year ofcelebrating our Silver Anniversary.Dr. Hansen’s history has made arecord of our roots and challengesus to even greater accomplish-ments in our next 25 years. Inconjunction with our gala dinneron November 7, Cardinal Lajoloconvened a meeting of the leadersof the U.S. Patrons Chapters. They

joined us for the gala and onSaturday, we met for several hourswith the Vatican Patrons staff todiscuss best practices, issues andopportunities. The CaliforniaChapter is the oldest and largestchapter in the world and we havegreat energy. On the occasion ofour first quarter century, werejoice in what has been done so

far and the friendships that havebeen made; now it is time to moveforward. We will be sendingrenewal notices for 2009 shortly.Please continue your contributionsand encourage your friends to joinour common mission ofpreserving, restoring andpromoting the arts in the VaticanMuseums.

2 • Winter 2008 CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE

VATICAN MUSEUMS

Michael Scott Feeley, Chairman • michael.feeley@lw.com • 213-891-7895Monica M. Lomenzo, Coordinator • mml@monicalomenzo.com

California Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums301 N. Lake Ave., Suite 900, Pasadena, CA 91101

by Michael Scott Feeley

Chairman’s Corner

On September 12,2008, some 40California

Patrons gathered at the J. Paul Getty Center inBrentwood for a privatetour of the exhibition“Bernini and the Birth ofBaroque Portrait Sculp-ture.” The Patrons splitinto two groups, each ledby a gifted docent whoshepherded us throughthe extraordinary works.This is the first majorexhibition of GianLorenzo Bernini’s portraitbusts. Assembled fromseveral Italian museums,including the VaticanMuseums, it is the mostcomprehensive exhibi-tion of the 17th centurymaster’s work. Followingthe tours, the Patron’sconvened in the BoardRoom for a lovely wineand hors d’ oeuvresreception sponsored byPatron Fred Ruopp.

The California Patrons are concerned withpreserving and restoring the arts in theVatican Museums. In order to collect and

preserve the Chapter’s history lest it fade withtime, the Board of Directors commissioned fellowPatron Dr. Eric Hansen to research and write thestory of the founding of the California Patrons andthe history of our first 25 years. Dr. Hansen doveinto the project, unearthing materials, letters andpictures, interviewing dozens of people in theUnited States and in Italy, and researching thevarious objects and projects the Chapter hasundertaken. The result is a magnificent workentitled Whatever is Noble, Whatever is Lovely:Twenty-Five Years of the California Patrons of theArts in the Vatican Museums, published by PatronGeorge Kinney of Castle Press.

The book is divided into two sections. The firstsection recounts the story of our founding, howthe organization evolved and what itaccomplished over a quarter century, and themotivation of the Patrons. The second part of thebook presents the some 75 works of art, scientificequipment, and projects undertaken by theCalifornia Chapter to date. It is beautifully andclearly written, richly illustrated, and carefullyresearched. We are fortunate to have such a giftedscholar work to preserve our history.

Patrons Unveil History Book

Patrons Tour BerniniExhibition

Chris andNancy Cooper

raise a glass

Bob and Lois Erburu enjoy the reception

Bob Tusquellas toasts MaryMargaret Thompson and her guest

Gala from page 1

Eric Hansenaddresses thePatrons

Don andMonicaFischbeckwithRaymondRodeno

Richard andMaria Grantwith CardinalLajolo

Tim Buschconverses withCardinal Lajolo

Paul and KellyWorkman withVicki McLoonand JulianneO'Connor

LornaRichardson and

Fr. Justin Ramos

George Hawleyand Monica

Lomenzo

Michael andJanet Feeley

CEM and JudyMartin withRichard andson MichaelAberle

Linda and Roger Chaix withLorna Richardson

Michael Feeley raises Dr. Hansen's gift

Linda andBrian Prinngreet Msgr.Larry Baird

Thanks to Patron Kathleen Huston, the Patrons will have a complemen-tary tour for our members of the special exhibition “The Dragon’s Gift: The Sacred Art of Bhutan” at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco onMarch 13, 2009. This unique exhibition includes some 150 objects whichhave never before left Bhutan. Many of the objects are still used in rituals inBuddhist temples and monasteries throughout the Kingdom. Following thevisit, we will enjoy a reception. Invitations with further details will be sent inJanuary 2009.

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN THE

VATICAN MUSEUMS

CALIFORNIA PATRONS OF THE ARTSIN THE

VATICAN MUSEUMS

Winter 2008

301 N. Lake Ave., Suite 900Pasadena, CA 91101

Messaggero

Save the Date: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco on March 13, 2009

On Friday, November 7, 2008, some 130Patrons gathered at The California Club indowntown Los Angeles to celebrate the 25th

Anniversary of our foundation. The black tie galaconcluded a year of festivities which included cocktailreceptions at Patrons homes in the Bay Area, SantaBarbara and Newport, private tours of the newChinese Gardens at the Huntington, a docent-led visitto the Bernini Exhibit at the Getty, and an October tripto Rome.

The evening began with a reception of cocktailsand hors d’ oeuvres. Pictures of several of the projectsundertaken by the Patrons over the years were exhib-ited on easels throughout the large room.Accompanied by the music from a pianist, Patrons mingledwith old and new friends. Chairman Michael Scott Feeleyacted as master of ceremonies and introduced our specialguests: Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, the governor general ofVatican City; Professor Antonio Paolucci, the Director of theVatican Museums; Fr. Mark Haydu, the InternationalDirector of the Patrons; Msgr. Terry Hogan, the NorthAmerican liaison to the Patrons Office; Lorna Richardson,the national coordinator; and the invaluable staff of theVatican Patrons Office, Sara Savodello and Romina Cometti.

In addition, the California Chapter hosted leaders of theother Patrons chapters in the United States, hailing fromNew York, Florida, Texas, Michigan, DC/Baltimore, Illinois,Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Only three current members of the Board of Directors ofthe California Patrons have served continuously for all 25years of our existence: John McDonnell, KathleenMcCarthy, and Barbara “Bobbie” Wilsey. We presentedeach with a hand calligraphied scroll honoring their service.

Continued on page 5

Patrons Silver Anniversary Gala!

Patrons Silver Anniversary Gala!see article on page 1

Karen Dalby chats withKatie Steinke

Lee Romanelliand SusanAberle

Paul Hill talks with Sara Savoldello and Romina Cometti

Fr. Mark Haydu, Cardinal Lajolo, andMichael Feeley laugh with Eric Hansen

Mario andDarleneAntonini greetthe Cardinals

Founding BoardMembers andHonorees BobbieWilsey, JohnMcDonnell, andKathleen McCarthy