MUSEUM OF CHRISTIAN ART

The Museum of Christian Art is housed in the Santa Monica Convent, on the road to Monte Santo and St. Augustine Tower Church. It is a museum unique in Asia. It highlights the diversity of Indo-Portuguese liturgical art and symbolizes through the pieces presented the richness of the Catholic orders. However, photographs are not allowed inside. Among the beautiful objects presented we have listed the essentials.

Sculptures. Some statues of saints dating from the 17th and 18th centuries are presented here. The most remarkable work is the marble plaque representing the Holy Trinity and coming from the cathedral of Sé. It shows Jesus sitting on the lap of God the Father. The latter adopts the traditional pose of the Pietà, or the Virgin finding her son in the tomb. The dove on God's left shoulder represents the Holy Spirit. The figures are suspended among thick clouds that symbolize the Passion, and in which winged angels float.

Portable altar. This altar dates from the 19th century. It was used to celebrate the Eucharist in non-consecrated places or to bring the last rites to sick people. It consists of a wooden box. In the lid, a triptych contains the sacred texts of the Eucharist and two removable candlesticks are hung. The box itself contains a drawer with liturgical objects and a sliding lid system allows the creation of the altar itself.

Ivory objects. The collection contains some very beautiful ivory pieces including a lovely baby Jesus in his crib. This 19th century piece in ivory and chased silver is topped with a crown. The baby is placed on a sheet and a pillow of embroidered silk. The ivory statuette is adorned with jewelry: necklace, belt, bracelets.

Paintings. Some rare paintings are in the collection, including the Archangel Gabriel represented on a wooden panel and dating from the seventeenth century. To see, paintings and religious documents from the West and the East, some of which date from the 15th and 16th centuries. The visit is also worthwhile for the convent of Santa Monica in which it is located.

Dalmatic. This is a short-sleeved garment worn by the deacon during mass, vespers or processions. It is made of silk richly embroidered with floral motifs in gold and colored thread.

Silverware. A few objects such as a silver chest or a monstrance gilded with fine gold deserve your attention.