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The power of the ages can be felt by those visiting the exhibition. The items date back to the first times of first Christians. The Ars Eucharistica exhibition has been divided into historical and liturgical parts. The Prima Porta Antiquities gallery presents 23 objects;

nails and bones from the first century AD. These evoke associations with the nails Jesus was nailed to the cross or the sight of Roman legionnaires playing dice for his garments.

There are also items from the first century, such as a spearhead, similar to the one that pierced through Jesus' side, as well as a legionnaire's whistle and cup, and an even older one - a legionnaire's helmet. Everyday objects - blown glass and terracotta dishes, an oil lamp as the ones one could have found on the table in the Upper Room are on display.

The exhibition culminates with a part devoted to the Liturgy, presenting objects from the Byzantine era, such as the Ceremonial Cross from the 12th century and the Hanging Censer from the same period.

- We feel fascinated looking at these artefacts, we want to allow many visitors to build a bridge in their imagination to the times when Christ walked on the earth. After all, the Holy Sacrament is the heart, soul and the centre of the church. We want to show the history that is associated with it in an accessible way as it all began during the Last Supper - emphasises Aleksandra Baranowska, director of the Prima Porta Antiquities gallery, art historian.

- We complement the historical part of the exhibition with the main stages of the Eucharist institution. Christ's sacrifice, is made present in the Eucharist, with the presentation of various items that have been prepared and used in the liturgy for centuries. The exhibition is designed to show the liturgical objects' specific history, up to the present day. The present day is showcased at the Sacroexpo. The Exhibitors produce similar items until today - explained the director of the Diocesan Museum in Kielce, Father Paweł Tkaczyk.

The painting from the workshop of the Flemish painter Jan Brueghl the Elder, "Madonna with Child" surrounded by a garland of flowers, an important exhibit at the Sacroexpo exhibition. This painting is kept in the Norbertine Sisters' convent in Ibramowice,  in the enclosure, i.e. in a place inaccessible for regular people, so it cannot be viewed on a daily basis. However, for the first time at the exhibition, you can see what it looks like.  

Everyone can visit Targi Kielce on Tuesday, June 7 until 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, prior registration required:  https://www.targikielce.pl/uzytkownik?ref=/sacroexpo/rejestracja-zwiedzajacych or on the spot,  

See photos from the opening of the Ars Eucharistica exhibition and the items on display.

/MŚ/