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For This Is My Body: The Medieval Missal
Manuscript Gallery Focus Show
For This Is My Body: The Medieval Missal
November 4, 2006–January 28, 2007
This fall, for the first time, the Walters will display its superb collection of illuminated medieval missals, a group of liturgical manuscripts and printed books made for the celebration of the Catholic Mass. The exhibition will investigate the changing iconography of the missal in the Middle Ages, with a particular emphasis on illustrations for the text of the Canon of the Mass; these include pictures of the Crucifixion and the celebration of the Eucharist that illustrate the core of Catholic doctrine. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the celebrations marking the reopening of Baltimore’s historic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in November. The exhibition will comprise 12 manuscripts, three early printed books and a selection of altar furnishings. Featured will be the famous St. Francis missal, the very manuscript many believe Francis used to divine God’s will for the Franciscan order.