During a solemn public ceremony, which took place on December 16 in the Grand Hall of St Pius X Palace, Gen Verde received, by will of the Holy Father, the 2010 Pontificate Medal Award, “an outstanding recognition for its artistic commitment so strongly influenced by Gospel values and openness to dialogue between peoples and cultures ” as the Pope states in his welcome speech, which was read by Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
The Prize of the Pontifical Academies is given each year to a person or an institution whose research, work or activity contributes significantly to the development of religious studies, Christian humanism and its artistic expressions.
Gen Verde had submitted its musical, “Mary Flower of the Human Race” to the 2010 Mariology Contest, a musical they had already performed in several Italian cities and, last year, in Fatima, Portugal, at an event in preparation for the visit of the Holy Father.
The welcome the show received in many Italian cities. It presents Mary as the prototype of women whose appeal continually re-appears throughout the centuries bringing together her story and ours. Gen Verde’s portrayal of her had great emotional impact and spoke directly to the hearts and minds of the people, returning to the image of the Mother of Jesus as “a woman of the people and a traveling companion,” as some viewers said during the musical’s tour in Sicily last summer.
Along with the presentation given by Cardinal Bertone, there was a greeting from Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture and the President of the above mentioned Coordinating Council. He underscored the importance of song as a way of praising God.
Finally, Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto and well-known theologian, Bruno Forte, presented a reflection entitled, “Mary, the Tota Pulcra”.
Throughout the ceremony, Gen Verde presented several excerpts from their award-winning show, concluding with a unique interpretation of the “Salve Regina”.