Thirty-four participants embarked on a stunning and unforgettable journey through Venice, the Veneto region, Bologna, Rome, and the Vatican, united by a spirit of joy, friendship, and shared discovery. Along the way, we marvelled at the beauty of sacred art and architecture displayed in historic basilicas, churches, and the Vatican Museums, gaining a deeper appreciation of how faith, beauty, and culture have inspired generations for centuries.
Among the many highlights was the extraordinary privilege of participating in a Papal Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, a moment that will remain etched in our memories for years to come. Equally moving was our visit to the di Santa Maria Maggiore, where many paused in quiet prayer at the simple and deeply touching tomb of Pope Francis. In its humility, the tomb spoke powerfully of a shepherd whose life was marked by simplicity, compassion, and service to God's people.
From the splendour of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums Restoration Laboratory, each experience enriched our understanding of the treasures entrusted to the Church. More than a tour of remarkable places, this was a journey of encounter—encounter with beauty, history, faith, and one another. The friendships formed, conversations shared, and moments of reflection experienced along the way made this APAVM pilgrimage a truly memorable celebration of heritage, stewardship, and community.
We will be sharing more information, feedback of participants and pictorial memories of this amazingly blessed trip by end June on this website.
For now, we share a group photo of the Gala Dinner at the Vatican Museum on 30 April 2026 and some videos of the places visited!
APAVM Venice 2026
APAVM Verona 2026
APAVM Bologna, Rome & Vatican City 2026
Rome & Vatican City Part II 2026
APAVM Papal Audience Pope Leo XIV
In January 2026, the Asian Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums (APAVM) commemorated its 10th Anniversary with two milestone fundraising dinners in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The celebrations brought together patrons, diplomats, and APAVM friends committed to preserving one of the world’s most significant cultural institutions — the Vatican Museums. Over the past decade, APAVM has strengthened the bridge between Asia and the Vatican, supporting conservation initiatives that protect masterpieces of global artistic heritage.
The evenings marked not only a celebration of ten years of patronage, but also the launch of APAVM’s 2026 restoration commitments.
Ben Chang, Chairman of APAVM, welcomed the guests of honour, patrons, sponsors and friends during the dinners in Hong Kong and Singapore for the very special 10th Anniversary milestone of APAVM and gave a video presentation of all the achievements in its 10-year history. It was a joyous celebration of the growing collaboration between Asia and the Vatican.
Monsignor José Luis Díaz-Mariblanca Sánchez, Head of the Holy See Study Mission in Hong Kong, honoured the gathering with his presence.
Monsignor Terence Hogan, SLD, Coordinator of the Office of Relations with the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums (ORPAVM), presented an overview of current conservation priorities within the Vatican Museums. His address highlighted the complexity of preserving centuries-old frescoes, tapestries, and architectural elements, and the essential role of international patronage in sustaining this work.
The Hong Kong dinner reflected the city’s longstanding commitment to heritage, philanthropy, and cross-cultural collaboration.
His Excellency Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Singapore, joined the celebration alongside distinguished guests, patrons and friends.
Monsignor Marinko Antolovic, First Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore, was also in attendance.
Once again, Monsignor Terence Hogan provided insights into the scientific and artistic expertise required to safeguard the Vatican Museums’ collections — works that welcome over seven million visitors annually and rank among the most visited museums in the world.
The Vatican Museums house centuries of artistic achievement — from Renaissance fresco cycles to intricate sculptures and sacred artefacts. Conservation is a meticulous and highly specialised undertaking, requiring technical skill, sustained funding, and international cooperation.
APAVM’s role over the past ten years has been clear:
The 10th Anniversary dinners reaffirmed a shared commitment to long-term stewardship — protecting irreplaceable works so that future generations may continue to study, appreciate, and learn from them.
APAVM extends its sincere gratitude to all patrons, benefactors, sponsors, and friends who contributed to the success of these milestone events.
Together, we continue the vital work of conserving artistic heritage — honouring the past while safeguarding the future.
Ben Chang, Chairman & Founder of APAVM, welcoming distinguished guests, patrons and friends celebrating the 10th Anniversary milestone of APAVM
Distinguished guests and patrons gather in Hong Kong to commemorate APAVM's Tenth Anniversary.
Monsignor José Luis Díaz-Mariblanca Sánchez, Head of the Holy See Study Mission in Hong Kong
Monsignor Terence Hogan, SLD, Coordinator of the Office of Relations with the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums (ORPAVM).
His Excellency Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Singapore.
Monsignor Marinko Antolovic, First Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore.
A moment of reflection during the presentation on conservation initiatives.
Celebrating ten years of partnership in safeguarding artistic heritage.
Due to Typhoon Wipha, the SHROUD talk scheduled for today Sunday 20th at the Catholic Diocese Center will be cancelled. We strongly encourage all to attend the two remaining Shroud talks on Tuesday 22 July at the following locations and times:
1. 22 July 2025, 1400-1600 hrs @ The Hong Kong Baptist University, see flyer below:
2. 22 July 2025, 1930-2130 hrs at
The Island ECC, 2nd Floor Worship Hall, 633 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.
No registration is required and Admission is free. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Both locations should have sufficient seating capacity to accommodate all participants.
Admission is free and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (Hong Kong Chapter).
Admission is free and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limited to 50 pax. Please scan the QR code or click here to register (Singapore Chapter).
Limited to 48 pax. Please scan the QR code or click here to register (Hong Kong Chapter).
There are no Upcoming Events at the moment, stay tuned!
The beauty of God, the holiness of saints, and the Christian faith have been displayed by the Vatican Museums for centuries. World-renowned artists and sculptors have used sacred art to speak across cultures, inspiring awe and reflection in millions.
We invite you to join us for an evening of grace and mission. We hope you will join us in Hong Kong and Singapore for our 10th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner to launch 2026.
We are fortunate to have our special guests of honour join us for this spiritual undertaking:
Evangelisation is not solely proclaimed through words. It is revealed through beauty. Through sacred art, believers and seekers experience God's mystery, mercy, and majesty in ways that words alone cannot. By preserving Vatican Christian artworks, we maintain their message for future generations.
Because you are patrons and friends of APAVM, your support truly matters. Each contribution helps safeguard priceless works that draw seven million visitors annually, making the Vatican Museums one of the world’s three most visited museums—and a global beacon of Catholic heritage. God's grace touches countless hearts through these masterpieces, often in unseen yet deeply transformative ways.
This mission is not merely cultural; it is spiritual. It is our answer to God's call—to manage His gifts and leave a legacy of faith that speaks through the ages and is never forgotten.
Help us continue to respond to God’s call. May your actions protect the Vatican Museums' beauty, guiding hearts to Him.
| Become a restorer of beauty… | ||
| a keeper of the faith… | ||
| and a steward of this eternal legacy. |
APAVM organised a very successful series of lectures entitled “Harmony in Faith and Science” over 6 Saturdays from 12 June – 17 July 2021.
Due to the pandemic, the lectures were delivered via Zoom. Although audience members and speakers could not be with each other in the same room, the lack of physical proximity and interaction was made up by being able to reach an international audience.
Many assume that a choice must be made between faith and science since the two seem naturally incompatible…
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Catholics understand that Jesus is perfectly present in the Eucharist because they recall the words recited by Jesus…
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Man has always been curious about how the universe works and has been proposing cosmological theories, from angels and demons to photons and quarks.
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The transhumanist movement thinks that it is time to use biotechnology to radically enhance human intelligence, strength, mood, memory…
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The Vatican Observatory is an astronomical research and education institution originally founded in 1582 to explain and defend the new Gregorian calendar…
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The Shroud of Turin is the most controversial relic of all time. Christian tradition has recognized it to be the linen that wrapped the body…
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If you enjoyed the lecture series, do join APAVM as a Patron or FOA.
Click Here to Join as a Patron: https://apavm.com/registration
Click here to Join as a Friend of APAVM For Just USD100 per annum: https://bit.ly/3wtpj2k
