“Revolutionary” exhibition shows that it is only possible to love through service

“Revolutionary” exhibition shows that it is only possible to love through service

“To Serve, the Only Preaching” is the title of the new temporary exhibition at the Shrine of Fatima.

The Christian concept of service as the highest expression of faith and love will be the central theme guiding the new temporary exhibition at the Shrine of Fatima, which opens on 30 November, the opening day of the new pastoral year.

Organised into seven thematic sections, the exhibition, which also marks the centenary of the Association of Servites of Our Lady of Fatima (Servitas), is entitled “Serving, the Only Preaching” and will be open on the lower floor of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity until 15 October 2025.

In a dialogue between ancient and contemporary works of art, the exhibition highlights the mission of service as the central link between God, the Church and humankind.

“Why is this exhibition revolutionary? Because — even more so in times of dehumanisation — it reaffirms to the visitor that it is only possible to love one’s neighbour when human beings are able to conjugate the verb “to serve”. This is where the glorious face of Christ can be glimpsed, as the History and Message of Fatima itself emphasise,” explains Marco Daniel Duarte, the director of the Shrine Museum and curator of the exhibition.

The exhibition proposes a profound and innovative reflection on those who symbolise total self-giving to others through words and actions, “with the examples of Christ himself, Mary, the Angels, different saints and ordinary men and women, in most cases unknown and ignored by the media”, combining works of art and historical documents to highlight altruism for the benefit of others.

In the exhibition “To Serve, the Only Preaching”, the public can take a closer look at works by renowned and promising contemporary Portuguese artists, covering various disciplines such as sculpture, painting, tapestry and jewellery.

The exhibition brings together pieces by masters such as Artur Bual, Laranjeira Santos, Jorge Barradas, Ana Lima-Netto, João de Sousa Araújo, Luiz Cunha, António Teixeira Lopes, Clara Menéres, Paulo Neves, Pedro Calapez, Lígia Rodrigues and Pedro Leitão, as well as presenting new creations made especially for this exhibition.

Among the works on display are a fragment of a tomb from 1383, a life-size replica of the pulpit of the Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra and the float of Our Lady used in the processions to Fatima until a few years ago.

This sacred art exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of Christian service in today’s society, while taking visitors through the history and mission of the Servites. It can be visited daily from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm.