An Evening of Culture and Reflection
Next Tuesday, December 17, at seven in the evening, the Museu del Ter de Manlleu will host a special inauguration: the exhibition entitled ‘Reliquiae Sanctorum: passions devotees of Joan Arimany i Juventeny’. This event, which is part of the ‘Collecting Passions’ program of the Generalitat de Catalunya, will include a conference given by Dr. Francesca Español, an expert in art history and university professor.
A Journey Through Holiness
The exhibition offers an immersion in the meaning of ‘holiness’, seeking to decipher this concept in a way accessible to the public.
Relics: the connection between the earthly and the divine
At the heart of the theme, the relics of the saints are presented as physical elements that link the human world with the heavenly. For the faithful, these relics are more than simple objects; they are points of connection that facilitate their devotion and prayers.
Diversity and Tradition: The Hall of Relics
The exhibition hall is divided into sections that address the different types of relics, as well as the various forms in which they are presented. Visitors will be able to discover historical documentation related to each piece, as well as examples of relics that reflect diverse traditions across Catalonia.
Rituals and Devotion
A special installation in the center of the room invites visitors to reflect on the rituals of devotion around the tombs of saints, such as those of Santa Eulàlia and Sant Ramon de Penyafort in Barcelona Cathedral.
A Challenge for Visitors
The exhibition also offers an interactive challenge for attendees: identifying different saints through illustrations that represent their characteristic attributes. This activity offers a fun way to learn about the symbolism surrounding these religious figures.
A Collaborative Project
Behind this exhibition is a collaborative effort by the Observatory of Ethnological and Intangible Heritage of Catalonia, which seeks to foster interaction between museums and collectors. Through this initiative, the aim is to highlight the importance of the documentation and conservation of ethnological collections.
Joan Arimany i Juveneny: A passionate collector
Among the pieces on display, those collected by Joan Arimany i Juventeny, a cultural manager with a deep dedication to popular religiosity, will stand out. His collection, which includes relics of saints linked to Catalan culture, has been the result of two decades of research and acquisitions.
Arimany, trained in Humanities and Social Education, has dedicated his career to exploring the legends and biographies of saints, focusing on those who have left their mark on the Catalan-speaking territory. His work not only preserves history, but also promotes the understanding of this cultural heritage.