The gala awarding ceremony of the Pontifical Council for Culture’s Per Artem Ad Deum Medal presented by the Pontifical Council for Culture will be held within the scope of the International Exhibition of Church Construction, Church Fittings and Furnishings and Religious SACROEXPO. The Medal has been presented for achievements which largely contribute to the promotion of dialogue between the diversity of cultures in the contemporary world and thus promote man as an individual. The Medal fellowship includes Ennio Morricone, Mario Botta, Krzysztof Zanussi, Wojciech Kilar and many other outstanding artists.
The Per Artem ad Deum Medal has been awarded for thirteen years at Targi Kielce staged gala ceremony. The medal laureates are presented the distinction by the Chapter members and the church high-ranking dignitaries. The medal has been awarded since 2005; since then it has been recognised as a very special distinction for artistic milieus whose works relate to to spiritual life and the Church. This year the Medal Chapter is chaired by HE Bishop Marian Florczyk. The Per Artem ad Deum Medal has been bestowed upon the three people who represent different fields of art and science:
SACROEXPO proudly presents Claudia Henzler as the 2017 winner of the prestigious art medal „Per Artem ad Deum“. The medal is a sign of acknowledgement from the Vatican for Claudia Henzlers „insightful and creative perception of man’s beauty, diversity and uniqueness“ which helps promote the dialogue of cultures through art.
Claudia Henzler is a renown photo artist and peace award winner who connects people of all backgrounds and cultures. Through photography, exhibitions and workshops she sets impulses to open communication, broaden horizons and deepen mutual appreciation and understanding.
Born in Heidelberg, Germany, and having traveled to over 50 countries, she presently lives in Salzburg, Austria, from where she takes on assignments in Europe and around the globe. www.henzlerworks.com
In recognition of “a constant struggle with questions of great magnitude which help to understand the universe essence” – the Medal is presented to Professor Michał Kazimierz Heller – a Catholic priest, theologian and professor of theology is presented the Medal. Professor Heller specialises in natural philosophy and physics, his scientific interests include the science and faith relations. In recognition of his achievements, Professor Heller was awarded the Templeton Prize. Fr Heller is employed at the Vatican Observatory. He is also a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
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The Pontifical Council Medal is also presented to the Czech Catholic priest, philosopher, psychologist and theologian – Tomas Halik “for the testimony truest faith demonstrated in the world perception through people’s eyes”. The Chapter’s justification reads that Fr Halik is recognised for his involvement in social life, for his public statements on racial discrimination issues. He has also worked as an addiction therapist with alcohol and drug addicts. Until 1989, he had been an important figure at the Czech Catholic Church’s anti-communist underground.
2016’s Per Artem ad Deum gala awarding ceremony