Chicago, IL ) – In a unique collaboration, the Archdiocese of Chicago has partnered with the Art Institute of Chicago to present a special Art Tour inspired by the Year of Mercy. The Year of Mercy, proclaimed by Pope Francis, began last December. In his announcement, the Pope said, ‘I have decided to announce an Extraordinary Jubilee which has at its center the mercy of God. It will be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live in the light of the word of the Lord: ‘Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful’ (cf. Lk 6:36).”
The tour that will run from October through December 2016, includes seven works of art which will provide visitors with a customized path through the Art Institute and encompass two millennia of art works. The works chosen for this tour reflect the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy: counsel the doubtful; teach those who lack knowledge; admonish sinners; comfort the afflicted; forgive those who hurt us; bear patiently those who do us ill; and pray for the living and the dead.
All are welcome to take the tour at the Art Institute at any time. Hand cards are available at both entrances of the Art Institute, 111 South Michigan Avenue and 159 East Monroe Street in Chicago, and can be downloaded in English, Spanish and Polish on the Year of Mercy Art Tour website at, http://jubileemercy.org/art-tour.
Groups of 15 or more can make reservations for a tour directly through the Art Institute at www.artic.edu/group-tours. The Art Institute is offering discounted rates for group tours, a guided option, as well as the ability to offer a lunch or other food options.
Additional details about tour pricing, hours and how to book a tour can be found on the Year of Mercy Art Tour website under Tour Details and Instructions.
More information about the Art Institute of Chicago can be found on their website, www.artic.org.
About the Archdiocese of Chicago
The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States,serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 347 parishes in Cook and Lake Counties, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese,pastored by Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, has more than 15,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region’s largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country’s largest seminaries. The Archdiocese’s 217 elementary and secondary schools comprise the largest U.S. private school system and have garnered more U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards than any system of any type.