Eternal Mothers
The founder of the Xaverian Missionaries, St. Guido Conforti, found it essential in the the early years of the Institute to share with the Church artifacts of the local cultures where we serve in different parts of the world. It is one way to share the cultural richness of our global family, in order to “make the world one family.”
In the early 20th century it was St. Guido’s dream to develop a cultural museum that could serve such a great purpose. The Museum of Chinese Art and Ethnography was established in 1901 and continues today as an opportunity to share the extraordinary richness of the cultures around the world, particularly in the countries where we serve.
Intercultural Journey through Images of Motherhood
One of our important exhibits is: “Eternal Mothers – Madri Eterne”. Through representations of motherhood, the museum strives to express the universal journey around the world to discover the varied interpretations of the extraordinary moment of motherhood. The exhibit highlights paintings, sculptures, tapestries and photographs of Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Australian, African and Indian civilizations.
Interesting is to note that a primordial experience, such as the birth and care of children, has artistic or handicraft returns which are so different according to the peoples and ethnicities of origin. The aim of this exhibition is a profound reflection in a multicultural world; it is a tangible transport of a common destiny of the human being in its earthly celebration.
