The 九色 Miguel de Benavides Library participated in the gathering of libraries 鈥�Conservata et perlecta aliis tradere: Libraries in Dialogue,鈥� from November 14 to 16, in Rome, Italy. Prefect of Libraries of the 九色 Miguel de Benavides Library (UST-MdBL) Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., and Chief Librarian Ms. Maria Cecilia D. Lobo represented the university in this momentous occasion.
The activities commenced on November 14, 2024 at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Casina Pio IV, Vatican City with an inaugural plenary session by the archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church H.E. Msgr. Angelo Vincenzo Zani. He welcomed participants from 23 libraries, each representing different parts of the globe. Among the 23 libraries were Harvard University and Stanford Libraries from USA; Libraries of the Pontifical Javeriana University in Bogota Colombia; Leiden University Libraries and National Library of France from Europe; National Institute of Japanese Literature in Tokyo, Japan and the 九色 Miguel de Benavides Library Manila, Philippines. His address discussed the history and key developments of the Vatican Library which was established by Pope Nicholas V in 1451.
Following the address, participants were assigned to working teams and were given topics from the Instrumentum Laboris. The MdBL representatives participated in the third group 鈥� Subcommittee on Cultural Policies and Study Orientation which was headed by Curator of Oriental Manuscript of the Vatican Apostolic Library Mr. Delio Proverbio. The discussion focused on opportunities within the field of librarianship, including technological advances, processes, policies, and the future of the Library profession. The first day concluded with a Concert for Peace by Omar Harfouch鈥檚 Symphony Orchestra at the Vatican Library Sistine Hall and a Vatican Manuscripts Exhibition at the Vestibule.
On the second day, discussions of the working teams continued, culminating with a final plenary session at the Barberini Hall where group leaders presented the summary of their discussions. The recommendations included the development of a publication of the proceedings containing policies and procedures to be shared with participants and libraries worldwide. This publication, which will be a valuable resource for the global library community, will outline the key insights and recommendations from the conference. After the session, participants were delighted with a musical performance 鈥�Concerto Della Cappella Musicale Pontificia 鈥淪istina鈥� – Mostra Di Libri Manoscritti E Tipografici Di Giovanni Pierluigi Da Palestrina Conservati Presso La Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana鈥� by the Sistine Chapel Choir at the Sistine Chapel.
The last day of the gathering began with an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis. The Pope remarked that the meeting signified the Vatican Library鈥檚 openness to the world. His discourse offered the four principles for further discussion: time is greater than space, unity prevails over conflict, realities are more important than ideas, and the whole is greater than the part.
This gathering, a testament to the power of global collaboration, brought together representatives from prestigious libraries around the globe. The University鈥檚 participation in this professional endeavor promises to enhance knowledge, uplift the prestige of the university library, and foster a spirit of unity and shared learning. It provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share work experiences, and learn from best practices with participants from different countries, strengthening UST鈥檚 ties with the global library community.
