The opportunity to hold and touch the pages of the Codex purpureus—an artistic treasure containing the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, written in gold and silver lettering and accompanied by illustrations—was a deeply moving experience for Lia Panera. It was ‘a human and divine sensation’, as she herself described it.
To mark International Women’s Day, Lia Panera, a member of the TA, was given the honour on 7 March of turning the pages of a unique codex preserved in Rossano, Italy. It is here that Lia Panera has been carrying out her work as a TA member. She taught at the teacher training college, served as director of Caritas and is active in social initiatives.
Since the Codex was restored in 2012, its pages have had to be turned periodically, and a new page must be displayed every three months. The curators of the Diocesan Museum of Rossano decided to make this process public, so that it is not merely a technical procedure but an occasion on which a select few people can participate since the space in which the display case is kept is small.
A Woman of Distinction
This year, the honour of leafing through the codex fell to the teacher Obdulia (Lia) Panera, chosen as ‘a woman of particular distinction for her cultural contributions, her teaching work and her care for the most disadvantaged, and a member of the Teresian Association, which has made a significant contribution to the good and progress of the town.’
With great care and wearing white gloves, Lia Panera leafed through the pages of the Codex guided by the museum’s deputy director, Cecilia Perri. She left it open on a beautiful page illustrating the parable of the wise and foolish young women – chosen specifically for today’s celebration under the title ‘Thank you, woman’, taken from St John Paul II’s Letter to Women.
The Archbishop of Rossano, Maurizio Aloise, explained the cultural significance of the manuscript preserved in the Diocesan Museum, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A number of prominent women from the city were invited to attend the event and to take part afterwards in a session of reflection and discussion open to the public. The guests spoke with expertise and passion on the subject of women’s empowerment and measures to combat violence against women.
After expressing her gratitude for this unexpected honour, Lia Panera spoke about how St Pedro Poveda, founder of the Teresian Association, was at the forefront of the advancement of women. He encouraged many young women to pursue university studies and research as he was convinced that science is not incompatible with faith.
She also recounted the origins of the Rossano Teacher Training College which trained generations of women to become teachers and, over the years, educated thousands of students.
Most of the participants, like the speakers, were former pupils of Lia Panera. The event was an opportunity to express their gratitude and pay tribute to what they had received from her, not only as a teacher and educator, but above all as a role model and a witness to human, social and Christian values. Many recalled her commitment to the most disadvantaged and the poor through the founding of the Insieme Volunteer Organisation and her leadership of the diocesan Caritas for many years.
Giovanna Liota, Rossano. Original italiano.
Photos: Diocesan Museum and Codex
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