Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

South Coast Mission Gets Million Dollar Artwork As Gift

Mission San Buenaventura is getting a full sized reproduction of Michelangelo's famous Pieta at St. Peter's Basilica

A historic mission on the South Coast is getting an incredible gift.

A couple is donating a million dollar reproduction of one of Michelangelo’s most famous works, the Pieta at St. Peter’s Basilica to Mission San Buenaventura.

The original sculpture was badly damaged in 1972, and was restored. The project was very controversial at the time. A mold was made, and the Vatican authorized some reproductions.

Two years ago, the Ventura Mission was offered the opportunity to buy one of the statues. Father Tom Elewaut says they loved the idea. He says when they learned the price they realized the Mission didn’t have the money, and even if it did it would be better used for humanitarian efforts like helping those in need.

But several months ago, the pastor had the chance to talk to some of the art dealers again. He told them if a donor could be found, the Mission would be proud to be home to one of the statues. An Arizona couple stepped up, and decided to buy, and donate one of the statues to the mission. What makes the gift even more remarkable is the fact that they have never even visited the mission. Brad and Jacqueline Hansen are planning to come see the work, and the mission during a dedication ceremony next month.

The mission has been busy preparing an area which will be the new home for the more than six foot high, 600 pound artwork, which arrived Wednesday.

The pastor says the art fits in with the mission’s multiple roles as a place of worship, a part of the state’s history, and home for art. The work will go on public display for the first time on Sunday, July 8th, with a dedication and unveiling service.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral. 
Related Stories