Lucky York residents have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view an exceptionally rare religious relic, which was accidentally unearthed from an unassuming shoebox!
What is the Arma Christi?
The Bar Convent Arma Christi is a rare, well-preserved example of an illuminated handmade scroll, which acts as a visual reminder of the Passion of the Christ.
Often referred to as the ‘Instruments of the Passion’ (and translated as ‘weapons of Christ’ from Latin), Arma Christi items are highly sought-after religious relics that provide a window into Medieval devotional practices. The scroll currently on display at the Bar Convent features a beautifully hand-written version of the ‘O Vernicle’ prayer poem, which depicts Jesus’ Crucifixion – it also features illuminated, hand-drawn illustrations.
Why is the Bar Convent discovery so important?
York’s Arma Christi is one of only ten handmade scrolls of its kind known to have survived from the Medieval period. While similar examples can be found in locations including the Scottish Catholic Archives, The Morgan Library, Stonyhurst College and the British Library, the Bar Convent’s Arma Christi is currently the only one on public display, in the whole world!
Visit www.barconvent.co.uk/the-arma-christi to find out more about the Bar Convent Arma Christi scroll. The Arma Christi exhibition is open to view from 10.00am-5.00pm on Mondays to Saturdays, at The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, Blossom Street, YO24 1AQ.
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