Switzerland: The Treasure of the Cathedral of Sion in Exhibition
La cathedral de Sion in Valais region, Switzerland.
The diocese of Sion is exhibiting 30 or so prestigious items from the cathedral treasure at the History Museum of Valais.
The cathedral treasure is extremely valuable because of the uniqueness of its pieces. It is on display from March 25 to September 10, 2017, in the Penitencier, the exhibition center of the canton museums in Sion.
“The small reliquary is an exceptional piece. It is very moving to be able to admire an object that has come to us from so far,” said Canon Pierre-Yves Maillard, the vicar general of the diocese of Sion. The reliquary is very well preserved and dates from the 8th century. It was commissioned by Altheus, Abbot of St. Maurice and bishop of Sion. Carolingian reliquary-burses are indeed rare, and the exhibition’s piece de resistance, the cathedral casket, which dates from the 11th century, also bears witness to this age of faith. The casket was constructed for the remains of the first bishop of Valais, Theodulus, and became an object of great devotion, containing the most precious relics of the sacred edifice. The still-extant embossed silver plaques provide a rare example of the artistic creation of that era.
These objects, lent to the History Museum of Valais, remain nonetheless the property of the Chapter Cathedral and the diocese of Sion. The diocese wished to entrust them to the History Museum because it does not possess adequate infrastructure to preserve these treasures in the ideal conditions.
“The beauty of this treasury at the intersection between God and the world must be preserved and made available to the public,” Canon Maillard explained, so that “these works of art may delight the hearts of visitors and bear witness to this canton’s destiny and its indissoluble bond with culture and the Faith.” He hoped that these works would move believers and pilgrims to prayer and praise.
Cathedral Treasury, History Museum of Valais. From March 25 to September 10, 2017. The Penitencier. Rue des Châteaux 24. CH-1950 Sion. Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm (6 pm from June to September).
Sources: cath.ch – museesvalais – DICI no. 354, 28/04/17
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