FROM TOP: A 13th century Reliquary Box with scenes from Christ's life; Tiara used by popes Pius IX and John XXII (dated 1877); Bronze oil lamp with monogram of Christ (second half of 4th century A.D.); Faith (1507), a painted altarpiece by Raphael.

a journey that might take 50 over years if you place your vision on an item for a minute. a journey that you can never imagine you would embark on. I have my eyes fixed on the relics and paintings( not all of them) in Singapore Asian Civilisations Museum. I always have this dream; that is to go Vatican City at least once in my life to take a look at this historic place,take a look at St Peter Basilica. Now my dream is 0.02% realised. I've saw a minature of it. ha~


FROM TOP: Throne of Pius IX (Paris, 1877); Chinese vase with images of buildings in Beijing (early 19th century); Rest On The Flight To Egypt (1570-73) by Federico Barocci; Saint Matthew And The Angel by Guido Reni (1635-40); The Vision Of Saint Helena (1580) by Paolo Veronese.

At Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place, Special Exhibitions Gallery 18 June - 9 Oct 2005.

The story begins with the main episodes in the life of Jesus Christ, and the journeys of the two apostles - Peter and Paul - to spread Christianity. The exhibition will touch on early pilgrimages to the Holy Land and later, to Rome as the New Jerusalem. Discover the role of the Roman emperor Constantine and his mother, Helena, who journeyed to Jerusalem in search of the True Cross. Visitors can see artefacts from the Roman catacombs associated with the early Christians, and learn about the establishment of the Jubilees (special pilgrimage years). A series of architectural plans and views explain the construction of the basilica over the traditionally held burial place of St Peter, which has become the focus of all modern-day pilgrimages to Rome.

Aside from fascinating artefacts related to pilgrimages - for example badges worn by pilgrims during the 15th century, you will also discover works of art by famous painters such as Raphael, Veronese and Guido Reni, and see articles used and worn by the Popes. The exhibition ends with a fascinating selection of Christian material from Vietnam, China, India and Singapore.