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  • “Monumental Church of San Michele Arcangelo, Anacapri”…<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high-speed ferry to the island of Capri. Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island. Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day. Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the edge of the cliff to Anacapri. I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the ascent up the mountainside. All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top. Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below. This 4 image panorama was taken from the tiny balcony above the diminutive Church of St Michael the Archangel in Anacapri, located on Piazza San Nicola. The church was built in 1719, with an octagonal shape and of Baroque style. The church received a "monument" designation due to its notable majolica floor mosaic of creation with Adam and Eve. One must traverse the sacred tile floor on benches around the edges to protect the imagery.
    Chiesa Monumentale di San Michele Ar..apri
  • "Our Lady of Sorrows Blue - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi"...<br />
The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; rather, it comprised the seven sorrows of Mary, which were foretold by the Priest Simeon who proclaimed to Mary, This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35). These seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother included the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt; the loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple; Mary's meeting of Jesus on His way to Calvary; Mary's standing at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified; her holding of Jesus when He was taken down from the cross; and then our Lord's burial. In all, the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce our Blessed Mother's heart was fulfilled in these events. For this reason, Mary is sometimes depicted with her heart exposed and with seven swords piercing it. More importantly, each new suffering was received with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to thy word, first uttered at the Annunciation. Adoration of the Madonna as a participant in the Passion of Christ is the image of the iconographic tradition finished in 1672. Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."
    Madonna Addolorata Azzurre - Duomo d..sisi
  • “Angel with the Cross - Ponte Sant'Angelo – Rome”… <br />
<br />
This image was actualized just after sundown when the sky developed a beautiful blue hue, accenting the golden lighting of the Angels on the Bridge. The Bridge of Angels (in Italian, Ponte Sant'Angelo) spans the Tiber River in Rome. Only a few steps away from St. Peter's Basilica, the bridge reflects the psychological shift from secular to sacred that occurs when pilgrims crossed from the busy streets of Rome over to the churches of the Vatican. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the famed Italian sculptor, originally designed the bridge's angel sculptures in the seventeenth century. Though few of the angels standing today were done by his hand, Bernini's vision for the bridge lives on. Five angel sculptures flank each side of the bridge, with statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the eastern bank. At the base of each sculpture is a line from the Bible in Latin. Angel with the Cross - Inscription: "Cuius principatus super humerum eius" Translation: Dominion rests on his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6)
    Angelo con la Croce sul Ponte Sant'A..Roma
  • "A million faces of Jesus by Dino Carbetta - Blue & Brown"...<br />
<br />
Daniel 10: 5-6 “As I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face shone like lightning, his eyes were like fiery torches, his arms and feet looked like burnished bronze, and the sound of his voice was like the roar of a multitude.” Genesis 1:27 “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Since early childhood my fascination with the face of Christ resulted in a multitude of sketches, drawings, and photographs. Today, my mind’s eye continues this perception in wonderment. I yearn to see, feel and touch this beatific vision.  Blessed with humble skills, this is my current vision after three years of introspection and change of the face of Christ. I know that in heaven the just will see God by direct intuition, clearly and distinctly. Scripture and theology tell us that the blessed see God face to face. And because this vision is immediate and direct, it is also exceedingly clear and distinct. The blessed see God, not merely according to the measure of His likeness imperfectly reflected in creation, but they see Him as He is, after the manner of His own Being. 1 Corinthians 13:12 “At present, we are looking at a confused reflection in a mirror; then, we shall see face to face; now, I have only glimpses of knowledge; then, I shall recognize God as he has recognized me.”
    Un milione di volti di Gesù di Dino ..rone
  • “The Arch Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran Mosaic Apse - Rome”…<br />
 <br />
The present mosaic, executed in 1878, is a copy of the destroyed original completed in 1291 by two Franciscan friars, Jacopo da Camerino and Jacopo Torriti, commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV who was also a Franciscan. The upper part depicts the bust of Christ in a dark blue empyrean with the red clouds of dawn, accompanied by four angels on each side and with a six-winged seraph above. Here, Christ is being depicted under his aspect of the Rising Sun (Malachi 4:2, Luke 1:78). It is thought that the seraph replaced a Hand of God which, with Christ and the Dove below him, would have given a Trinitarian iconography. A jeweled cross which is a depiction of the True Cross formerly venerated in Jerusalem and bears a central medallion showing The Baptism of Christ. The Dove of the Holy Spirit emits seven streams from its beak which are symbolic of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These streams form a pool where the cross stands and from this flow the four rivers of the Garden of Eden, which also symbolize the four Gospels. Two deer (Ps 42:1) and six sheep drink from these, which run into the River Jordan, a symbol of Baptism. Heavenly Jerusalem, guarded by St Michael the Archangel and ruled over by SS Peter and Paul. In the city, the phoenix, a symbol of immortality, is perched on the Tree of Life. To the left of the central motif, and venerating it, stand the Blessed Virgin, St Francis of Assisi, and the Apostles Peter and Paul. To the right are SS John the Baptist, Anthony of Padua, John the Evangelist, and Andrew the Apostle. The pope kneeling close to the Blessed Virgin is the Franciscan Nicholas IV, who was praised for his work at the Lateran by Dante in Paradiso. The Virgin places her hand on his head, as a sign of her protection. St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics because it is the pope’s cathedral. This church is the spiritual home of the people who are the Church.
    L'Arch Basilica Papale di San Giovan..Roma
  • "Our Lady of Sorrows Blue - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi - Olivina"...<br />
<br />
The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; rather, it comprised the seven sorrows of Mary, which were foretold by the Priest Simeon who proclaimed to Mary, This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35). These seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother included the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt; the loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple; Mary's meeting of Jesus on His way to Calvary; Mary's standing at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified; her holding of Jesus when He was taken down from the cross; and then our Lord's burial. In all, the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce our Blessed Mother's heart was fulfilled in these events. For this reason, Mary is sometimes depicted with her heart exposed and with seven swords piercing it. More importantly, each new suffering was received with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to thy word, first uttered at the Annunciation. Adoration of the Madonna as a participant in the Passion of Christ is the image of the iconographic tradition finished in 1672. Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."
    Madonna Addolorata Azzurre - Duomo d..vina
  • “The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute Venice radiates in the distance on the Grand Canal- Ultramarine blue”…<br />
<br />
Gospel MT 14:22-33 “After the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."<br />
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known as La Salute, is one of the largest, most iconic, and prominent churches of Venice. It stands in a prominent position at the junction between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon. In October 1630, the Venetian Senate decreed that if the city was delivered from the raging Bubonic Plague, which decimated one-third of the Venetian population, a new church would be constructed and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Basilica is an ornate, massive structure in its exterior; however, it is quite reverently quaint interiorly.
    La Basilica di Santa Maria della Sal..mare
  • “An evening stroll on the ancient cobbled streets of Orvieto”… <br />
<br />
Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of volcanic stone called tufa and overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains and vineyards. The ancient city rewards one with a peaceful and historical stroll back in time to the days of the Etruscans, who built this clifftop village over 2000 years ago for protection from their enemies. The ancient Etruscan wall still stands today presenting colorful cliffside views, and protecting the famous Duomo di Orvieto, the Palazzo del Popolo, and other antique treasures. The blue evening skies reflect on the shiny-worn cobblestone Strada below as the last bit of sun illuminates the way for a delightful promenade. “As sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing and yet possessing all things.”  2 Corinthians 6:10
    Una passeggiata serale sulle antiche..ieto
  • "Our Lady of Sorrows Blue - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi - Luminance"...<br />
<br />
The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; rather, it comprised the seven sorrows of Mary, which were foretold by the Priest Simeon who proclaimed to Mary, This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35). These seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother included the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt; the loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple; Mary's meeting of Jesus on His way to Calvary; Mary's standing at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified; her holding of Jesus when He was taken down from the cross; and then our Lord's burial. In all, the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce our Blessed Mother's heart was fulfilled in these events. For this reason, Mary is sometimes depicted with her heart exposed and with seven swords piercing it. More importantly, each new suffering was received with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to thy word, first uttered at the Annunciation. Adoration of the Madonna as a participant in the Passion of Christ is the image of the iconographic tradition finished in 1672. Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."
    Madonna Addolorata Azzurre - Duomo d..anza
  • “An evening stroll on the ancient cobbled streets of Orvieto - Brightening”… <br />
<br />
Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of volcanic stone called tufa and overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains and vineyards. The ancient city rewards one with a peaceful and historical stroll back in time to the days of the Etruscans, who built this clifftop village over 2000 years ago for protection from their enemies. The ancient Etruscan wall still stands today presenting colorful cliffside views, and protecting the famous Duomo di Orvieto, the Palazzo del Popolo, and other antique treasures. The blue evening skies reflect on the shiny-worn cobblestone Strada below as the last bit of sun illuminates the way for a delightful promenade.
    Una passeggiata serale sulle antiche..rire
  • “Our Lady of Sorrows Radiant Blue - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi”…<br />
The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; rather, it comprised the seven sorrows of Mary, which were foretold by the Priest Simeon who proclaimed to Mary, This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35). These seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother included the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt; the loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple; Mary's meeting of Jesus on His way to Calvary; Mary's standing at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified; her holding of Jesus when He was taken down from the cross; and then our Lord's burial. In all, the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce our Blessed Mother's heart was fulfilled in these events. For this reason, Mary is sometimes depicted with her heart exposed and with seven swords piercing it. More importantly, each new suffering was received with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to thy word, first uttered at the Annunciation. Adoration of the Madonna as a participant in the Passion of Christ is the image of the iconographic tradition finished in 1672. Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."
    Madonna Addolorata Radiante Azzurre ..sisi
  • “Angels of Passion guard Castel Sant'Angelo”…<br />
<br />
This image was captured just after sundown when the sky developed a beautiful blue hue, accenting the golden lighting of the Castel and Angels on the Bridge.  Castel Sant'Angelo and Sant'Angelo Bridge was built in A.D. 139 as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and this Castel was transformed into a fortress by the popes during the 14th century.  The Romans built the first bridge in front of the Castel in A.D. 134 as access to the majestic mausoleum.  In A.D. 590, a black plague epidemic decimated the city and an angel appeared on the Castel roof and put his sword back in its scabbard, indicating the end of the epidemic. Afterward, a chapel was built on the roof of the Castel to commemorate this miracle with Saint Michael majestically standing guard above the Castel and Bridge. In 1667, the artist Bernini was in charge of renovating the bridge and he decided to open the parapet and to add eight statues of angels, symbolizing Christ's passion in memory of the miracle that saved the city from the devastating black plague.
    Angeli della Passione guardia Castel..gelo
  • “Our Lady of Sorrows Blue - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi”…<br />
<br />
The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; rather, it comprised the seven sorrows of Mary, which were foretold by the Priest Simeon who proclaimed to Mary, This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35). These seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother included the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt; the loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple; Mary's meeting of Jesus on His way to Calvary; Mary's standing at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified; her holding of Jesus when He was taken down from the cross; and then our Lord's burial. In all, the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce our Blessed Mother's heart was fulfilled in these events. For this reason, Mary is sometimes depicted with her heart exposed and with seven swords piercing it. More importantly, each new suffering was received with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to thy word, first uttered at the Annunciation. Adoration of the Madonna as a participant in the Passion of Christ is the image of the iconographic tradition finished in 1672. Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."
    Madonna Addolorata Azzurre - Duomo d..sisi
  • In God Is Our Trust ... Painting by Dino Carbetta<br />
<br />
“O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation! Blest with vict'ry and peace may the heav'n rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto - "In God is our trust," And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” (The Star-Spangled Banner)<br />
<br />
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." (Mt 26:26-28)<br />
<br />
This image represents many things… In only 244 years, the United States of America has risen from untapped wilderness to unequivocal leadership of the world. The Red, White, and Blue or  Star-Spangled Banner, has stood tall in victory and defeat. The blood of our people shed for freedom; “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” “Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation! The color Red represents our very blood, and faith in the “Blood of Christ.” And this be our motto - "In God is our trust."  Dino Carbetta
    In God Is Our Trust ... Painting by ..etta
  • “Angel with the Cross - Ponte Sant'Angelo – Rome”… <br />
<br />
This image was also created just after sundown when the sky developed a beautiful blue hue, accenting the golden lighting of the Angels on the Bridge. The Bridge of Angels (in Italian, Ponte Sant'Angelo) spans the Tiber River in Rome. Only a few steps away from St. Peter's Basilica, the bridge reflects the psychological shift from secular to sacred that occurs when pilgrims crossed from the busy streets of Rome over to the churches of the Vatican. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the famed Italian sculptor, originally designed the bridge's angel sculptures in the seventeenth century. Though few of the angels standing today were done by his hand, Bernini's vision for the bridge lives on. Five angel sculptures flank each side of the bridge, with statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the eastern bank. At the base of each sculpture is a line from the Bible in Latin. Angel with the Cross - Inscription: "Cuius principatus super humerum eius" Translation: Dominion rests on his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6)
    Angelo con la Croce - Ponte Sant'Ang..Roma
  • "The angels observe from above the Monumental Church of San Michele Arcangelo Anacapri"...<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri.  Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island.  Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day.  Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri.  I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside.  All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top.  Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below.  This 4 image panorama was taken from the tiny balcony above the diminutive Church of St Michael the Archangel in Anacapri, located on Piazza San Nicola. The church was built in 1719, with an octagonal shape and of Baroque style. The church received a "monument" designation due to its notable majolica floor mosaic of creation with Adam and Eve. One must traverse the sacred tile floor on benches around the edges to protect the imagery.
    Gli angeli osservano dall'alto la Ch..apri
  • “My dream my way - Isle of Capri”…<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri.  Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island.  Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day.  Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri.  I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside.  All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top.  Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below.  This image was taken in the Bay of Capri along the bustling seaside, where antique wooden excursion boats awaited their passengers.
    Il mio sogno la mia strada - Isola d..apri
  • “Blue cobblestone road converges below Orvieto arch”…<br />
<br />
Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of volcanic stone called tufa, and overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains and vineyards. The ancient city rewards one with a peaceful and historical stroll back in time to the days of the Etruscans, who built this cliff-top village over 2000 years ago for protection from their enemies. The ancient Etruscan wall still stands today presenting colorful Cliffside views, and protecting the famous Duomo di Orvieto, the Palazzo del Popolo, and other antique treasures.  This is one of the many narrow archways in Orvieto, highlighted with the evening clouds and sun reflected in the windows above.  The blue evening skies reflect on the shiny-worn cobblestone strada below.
    Blu ciottolo strada convergere di so..arco
  • “View from the Grand Canal of the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice - Blue and Red”…<br />
<br />
The first church on the island was built about 790, and in 982 the island was given to the Benedictine order by the Doge Tribuno Memmo. The Benedictines founded a monastery there, but in 1223 all the buildings on the island were destroyed by an earthquake. Andrea Palladio, an Italian Renaissance architect active in the Venetian Republic was commissioned for the rebuild. Palladio, influenced by Roman and Greek architecture, is widely considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture, began the rebuild in 1560 and made dramatic improvements. The campanile was rebuilt in neo-classic style and completed in 1791. It was ascended by ramps and now an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Venice. The facade is brilliantly white and represents Palladio's solution to the difficulty of adapting a classical temple facade to the form of the Catholic Basilica. Two very large paintings by Tintoretto relate to the institution of the Eucharist and are located on either side of the presbytery, where they can be seen from the altar rail. “The Last Supper” and “The Jews in the Desert” (collecting and eating the manna, a gift of God to the Israelites in the Desert after they escaped Egypt, which foretells the gift of the Eucharist). Claude Monet painted a series of paintings of the island Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in 1908 during the artist's only visit to the city. One of the best known is “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk”, which exists in two versions. Monet completed his paintings of Venice at home in France and in 1912 showed them in Paris. Buyers included the Welsh collector Gwendoline Davies, who bought three paintings. This vision of the Church of San Giorgio is iconic and famous worldwide. My image capture while upon an evening boat excursion appears theatrical as if the majestic church is posing for yet another Venetian canvas.
    Vista dal Canal Grande della chiesa ..ossa
  • “The colors of Capri”…<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri.  Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island.  Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day.  Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri.  I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside.  All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top.  Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below.  This image was taken in the Bay of Capri while waiting for the last Ferry back to Sorrento.  My eye caught the color of the blue boat and it was the same color of the late afternoon sky.  Ironically, the name on the side of the little boat was “colori”…meaning colors.
    Il colori di Capri
  • “View from the Grand Canal of the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice - Blue”…<br />
<br />
The first church on the island was built about 790, and in 982 the island was given to the Benedictine order by the Doge Tribuno Memmo. The Benedictines founded a monastery there, but in 1223 all the buildings on the island were destroyed by an earthquake. Andrea Palladio, an Italian Renaissance architect active in the Venetian Republic was commissioned for the rebuild. Palladio, influenced by Roman and Greek architecture, is widely considered to be one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture, began the rebuild in 1560 and made dramatic improvements. The campanile was rebuilt in neo-classic style and completed in 1791. It was ascended by ramps and now an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Venice. The facade is brilliantly white and represents Palladio's solution to the difficulty of adapting a classical temple facade to the form of the Catholic Basilica. Two very large paintings by Tintoretto relate to the institution of the Eucharist and are located on either side of the presbytery, where they can be seen from the altar rail. “The Last Supper” and “The Jews in the Desert” (collecting and eating the manna, a gift of God to the Israelites in the Desert after they escaped Egypt, which foretells the gift of the Eucharist). Claude Monet painted a series of paintings of the island Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in 1908 during the artist's only visit to the city. One of the best known is “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk”, which exists in two versions. Monet completed his paintings of Venice at home in France and in 1912 showed them in Paris. Buyers included the Welsh collector Gwendoline Davies, who bought three paintings. This vision of the Church of San Giorgio is iconic and famous worldwide. My image capture while upon an evening boat excursion appears theatrical as if the majestic church is posing for yet another Venetian canvas.
    Vista dal Canal Grande della chiesa ..urro
  • “The veranda of the Hotel Giotto features the blue twilight of Assisi”…<br />
<br />
Upon arrival early that day in Assisi, I began taking photos the second I parked at Hotel Giotto just inside the walls in the foothills of Assisi. Perhaps Saint Francis arranged the dramatically perfect skies and coordinated every encounter. Beginning at the Basilica of Saint Frances, every second of the climb to the top of the mountain to the fortress Rocca Maggiore, a new surprise awaited around every corner.  Never stopping for lunch or dinner, I continued to photograph new images well past sundown.  Traversing the narrow steps and strada back down to the bottom of the mountaintop to my hotel, the walk seemed a bit less strenuous and I felt a sense of gratitude and completion of my day long journey.  However, the very quiet Assisi seemed to have fallen into a deep slumber in the early nighttime leaving all the restaurants closed for the night.  Pleading with the hotel manager, she desperately arranged a late dinner at one of the most iconic restaurants in Assisi, La Locanda Del Cardinale, which was built over an ancient Roman settlement dating from the first century B.C., with glass floors to view the mosaics below.  Walking back at midnight to the hotel, the peaceful Assisi continued to call out.  As the serene, quiet Basilica of Saint Francis stood majestically and glowed in the moonlit skies, one could not help but to acquiesce to its mystical yearning for just a few more memorable portraits in the cool dew of the early morning air.  This image was created as the bellissimo blue hue of the night descended over the valley of Assisi displaying panoramic views of Spoleto and Perugia.  The highlight of the image is the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter which was consecrated in 1253.
    La veranda di Hotel Giotto Presenta ..sisi
  • "Panoramic view of the majestic Island of Capri"...<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri.  Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island.  Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day.  Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri.  I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside.  All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top.  Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below.
    Vista panoramica della maestosa Isol..apri
  • “The St. Peter's bell tower rises above the beautiful Blue Sea in Corniglia”…<br />
<br />
I began my daily journey at the northern most town of Monterosso and took the train to the southernmost town of Riomaggiore. I sailed up the coast photographing each Cinque Terre town along the way aboard the Angelina Dada. Upon arriving back home in Monterosso, soft light illuminated the sky and azure sea of the Mediterranean convincing me to sail all the way back to Riomaggiore with my gracious guides Claudio and Eddie of "Cinque Terre dal Mare" sailing excursions. We arrived just in time for a perfect sunset. After a nice dinner...I caught the last train at midnight back home to Monterosso. A very long day, but worth every minute!  This panorama image of Corniglia, the only Cinque Terre town not directly on the sea…was taken on the journey back to Riomaggiore at dusk.  The tiny village seems snuggled into the Cliffside soaking up the last bit of sunlight before nightfall.  The ancient campanile of the church of Saint Peter, which was built in 1334, begins to peer over the cliff in the upper part of Corniglia.
    Il campanile di San Pietro domina il..glia
  • "Madonna and Christ Child above Monumental Church of San Michele Arcangelo, Anacapri"...<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri. Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island. Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day. Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri. I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside. All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top. Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below. This 4 image panorama was taken from the tiny balcony above the diminutive Church of St Michael the Archangel in Anacapri, located on Piazza San Nicola. The church was built in 1719, with an octagonal shape and of Baroque style. The church received a "monument" designation due to its notable majolica floor mosaic of creation with Adam and Eve. One must traverse the sacred tile floor on benches around the edges to protect the imagery. This image is high above the Altar at the very top of the small church. I climbed a very creaky and tiny spiral staircase to capture this beautiful image of the Madonna and Christ child.
    Madonna e Cristo Bambino sopra Chies..apri
  • "Evening walk on the ancient cobbled streets of Orvieto"...<br />
<br />
Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of volcanic stone called tufa, and overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains and vineyards. The ancient city rewards one with a peaceful and historical stroll back in time to the days of the Etruscans, who built this cliff top village over 2000 years ago for protection from their enemies. The ancient Etruscan wall still stands today presenting colorful cliffside views, and protecting the famous Duomo di Orvieto, the Palazzo del Popolo, and other antique treasures. The blue evening skies reflect on the shiny-worn cobblestone strada below as the last bit of sun illuminates the way for a delightful promenade.
    Passeggiata serale sulle antiche str..ieto
  • “Hotel Oasi Neumann former Monastery Le Contesse Cortona”…<br />
<br />
As I photographed the ancient church Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio and awaited the magic hour of twilight, the illuminating reflection of light on the former Monastery glowed mystically in the background. The wispy evening clouds appeared like waves on the blue seas of the Mediterranean and created a bellissimo contrast of color and light. Just a few meters from Cortona Etruscan walls, standing majestically and perched atop the unique and strategic hilltop, rests the ancient monastery of Le Contesse, known today as the restored Hotel Oasi Neumann. This was the first community of Clarisse nuns who moved to this location in 1225. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970. If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Albergo Oasi Neumann ex Monastero Le..tona
  • “Resplendent Angel with the Cross - Ponte Sant'Angelo Roma”…<br />
<br />
This image was also created just after sundown when the sky developed a beautiful blue hue, accenting the golden lighting of the Angels on the Bridge. The Bridge of Angels (in Italian, Ponte Sant'Angelo) spans the Tiber River in Rome. Only a few steps away from St. Peter's Basilica, the bridge reflects the psychological shift from secular to sacred that occurs when pilgrims crossed from the busy streets of Rome over to the churches of the Vatican. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the famed Italian sculptor, originally designed the bridge's angel sculptures in the seventeenth century. Though few of the angels standing today were done by his hand, Bernini's vision for the bridge lives on. Five angel sculptures flank each side of the bridge, with statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the eastern bank. At the base of each sculpture is a line from the Bible in Latin. Angel with the Cross - Inscription: "Cuius principatus super humerum eius"<br />
Translation: Dominion rests on his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6)
    Risplendente Angelo con la Croce - P..Roma
  • “Sunset view of Manarola from the blue Tyrrhenian Sea”…<br />
<br />
I began my daily journey at the northernmost town of Monterosso and took the train to the southernmost town of Riomaggiore. I sailed up the coast photographing each Cinque Terre town along the way aboard the Angelina Dada.  This image was composed standing on the rooftop of the antique 28 foot Angelina’s galley with my arms around the mast and my 25-pound camera bag strapped over my shoulder, creating a human tripod for support. I could not help noticing tourists in each village photographing our boat as we sailed up and down the coast; perhaps it was the image of a silly photographer hanging on for dear life as the waves wobbled the boat side to side in anticipation of a splashdown?! Leaving for my destination of Monterosso, the radiant sunset illuminated the sky and azure sea of the Mediterranean. I was convinced to sail back to Riomaggiore with my gracious guides Claudio and Eddie of "Cinque Terre dal Mare" sailing excursions. We arrived just in time for the perfect magic-hour glow of the setting sun. After a nice dinner...I caught the last train at midnight back home to Monterosso.  I believe there is a great appeal in each of the five Cinque Terre villages, each with a different history, people, elements, and culture.  This illuminating sunset of Manarola was captured just before arriving back in Riomaggiore. Arrivederci, Manarola!
    Tramonto vista di Manarola fin da il..Mare
  • “An evening stroll on the ancient cobbled streets of Orvieto - BW”…<br />
<br />
Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of volcanic stone called tufa, and overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains and vineyards. The ancient city rewards one with a peaceful and historical stroll back in time to the days of the Etruscans, who built this cliff top village over 2000 years ago for protection from their enemies. The ancient Etruscan wall still stands today presenting colorful cliffside views, and protecting the famous Duomo di Orvieto, the Palazzo del Popolo, and other antique treasures.  The blue evening skies reflect on the shiny-worn cobblestone strada below as the last bit of sun illuminates the way for a delightful promenade.
    Una passeggiata serale sulle antiche..- BW
  • “Venice blue boat”…<br />
<br />
I am not sure if I am the first to describe Venice as “organic”; however, there has never been a more perfect description to define Venice’s ever changing persona.  Venice is perhaps the most uniquely iconic seaside city in the world, and its impression changes by the minute with the ever changing light and active tide coming in and out.  Flying into Venice via the USA, I was met with torrential rains in the early morning, which finally gave way to afternoon sunshine.  The creaky, wet, gloomy, old, decaying Venice sinking and soaking in the morning rain… opened like flower petals in the springtime at first glimpse of sunlight.  The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became passion, the creaky became sweet sounds, and the desperate island illuminated with life, color, and hope.  Heading out the first afternoon with no sleep since leaving Atlanta the day before, I was exhausted yet had so much adrenaline and utter excitement emanating from my soul. My heart, eyes, and brain forced me to follow the light and take photos; thus, the first day of thirty began with number 1 of 6500 images.  Not until I began writing these descriptions did I realize that many of these were taken the day I arrived in Venice…it was sensory overload.  Sometimes we get lucky, and sometimes blessed…taking the water taxi during a downpour from the airport to my hotel was a bit disconcerting.  However, when the sun finally came out, my little hotel became the key to the entire Venetian world!  The view from the tiny hotel dock as the sun breaks…
    Venezia azzurro barca
  • "A view from Positano to Praiano of the blue skies reflected in the Mediterranean Sea"...<br />
<br />
Visiting Positano, one cannot help but notice the diminutive town snuggled in the side of a cliff jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea seven miles south of Positano.  The tiny village seemed to glow every evening with the last bit of sunlight raining down as Praiano extended its petals skyward.  High above the cliffs, buildings are scattered about with just enough via and strada to support the population of just over 2000.  And, like most places in Italy, there is a church for about every 300 parishioners of its population.  The most famous are the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro, and the Convent of San Domenico located in the high Campo valley with breathtaking views. The vista of Praiano facing northward toward Positano brightly displays a prominent gold colored church with the traditional majolica tile dome named Parrocchia Di San Gennaro, one of the most beautiful churches on the Amalfi Coast.  In addition to the maze of little lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pastel colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families in order to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection. The town displays the most romantic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast with two beautiful beaches, Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella.  The latter beach catches the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps.  From my vantage point for this image and many others, it mystically seemed as though the sun never set on the bellissimo villaggio molto piccolo of Praiano.
    Una vista da Positano a Praiano dei ..aneo
  • “Sunrise reflection of the blue sea in Positano”…<br />
<br />
After a solemn sunrise morning where I essentially had Positano all to myself and before my strenuous journey down and back up the mountainside, I found my perfect vantage point upon the veranda of my favorite hotel, Albergo California, where I spent photographing the sunset on the first evening in Positano.  Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the orange glow of the sunrise in one of the hotel’s windows and captured this reflective image. There was only one occasion that I was really able to pre-plan taking photos at sunrise and that was during the last day of three in Positano.  It takes much planning, logistics, and familiarity to figure the best locations and the proper angles and positions of the sun. My third morning was ideal and fortuitous as it began raining about 10:00 am which gave me perfect clouds for sunrise, finally ending with a very cold wind just in time for sunset.  This image is one of the rare photos of a slumbering Positano in the dewing morning around 6:45 am at the end of May….the beginning of peak tourist season.  By 8:00 am, this tiny seaside village is bustling with tourists and shop owners, and restaurateurs trying to satisfy every need.  All in all, Positano was by far the plushest of all the locations I visited in Italy, and I was blessed to witness everything in full bloom.
    Riflessione di alba di il mare azzur..tano
  • “A panoramic view of the majestic island of Capri”…<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri.  Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island.  Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day.  Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri.  I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside.  All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top.  Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below.
    Una vista panoramica della maestosa ..apri
  • "Fog descends on Hotel Oasi Neumann former Monastery Le Contesse Cortona"...<br />
<br />
As I photographed the ancient church Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio and awaited the magic hour of twilight, the illuminating reflection of light on the former Monastery glowed mystically in the background. The wispy evening clouds appeared like waves on the blue seas of the Mediterranean and created a bellissimo contrast of color and light. Just a few meters from Cortona Etruscan walls, standing majestically and perched atop the unique and strategic hilltop, rests the ancient monastery of Le Contesse, known today as the restored Hotel Oasi Neumann. This was the first community of Clarisse nuns who moved to this location in 1225. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970.  If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Nebbia scende su Albergo Oasi Neuman..tona
  • “Late afternoon colors on the island of Capri”…<br />
<br />
On the third morning in Sorrento, I departed on a high speed Ferry to the island of Capri.  Although promoting high-speed, it still took over an hour to arrive at the very crowded Island.  Capri is located off the coast of Naples and there must be a new Ferry full of tourists arriving every 20 minutes throughout the day.  Famous for its Blue Grotto, which I did not venture to this trip, Capri is a picturesque Mediterranean retreat with high cliffs and ancient Roman villas. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliffs edge to Anacapri.  I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside.  All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top.  Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below.  This image was taken in the Bay of Capri of the bustling seaside, with the historic mountaintop town of Capri majestically guarding the port below.
    Tardo pomeriggio di colori sull'isol..apri
  • “The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio – Cortona”…<br />
<br />
The ancient church awaited darkness as the wispy evening clouds appeared like waves in the blue seas of the Mediterranean.  The Church was constructed between the years of 1485 and 1513. It is the architectural work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini who designed it after having been contacted by his friend and great artist Luca Signorelli. The Renaissance style church built on a Latin cross plan with an elegant dome soars into the olive trees on the hillside above. It was the church of the guild of the shoe makers, who used their vats of lime for tanning leather, protected by an image of the Madonna painted by Bernardo Covatti, which is now displayed on the main altar of the church. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970.  If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.  In the background one can view the convent of Le Contesse, the first community of Clarisse nuns who moved there in 1225.
    La chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazi..tona
  • “Fishing boats resting on blue glass water - Sorrento Marina Grande”…<br />
<br />
Fishing boats dream in exuberant anticipation of the early morning’s voyage, with the Bay of Naples in the distant background, and the Bellissimo sunset illuminating the azure seascape. My second evening in Sorrento, about the time I finally learned how to drive a car alongside the very crazed Vespa riders who have absolutely no rules for the road, I stumbled upon Sorrento’s most famous Marina Grande. Grande means big, but it’s just a diminutive fishing village; hardly substantial, but authentically picturesque. Marina Grande was a Godsend that evening as it supported all of the qualities a tired and hungry artist was looking for: sunset, sea, sand, boats, skies, and great seafood. Did I say seafood? Arriving around 8:00 PM, just in time for theatrical sunset images, and leaving after dinner around midnight, the Marina was authentically Grande! The difficulty in photographing water vessels in low light is the movement of the boat in the water causing “ghosting” of the image. I was fortunate to have advanced technology, reliable balance, and the hand of God keeping the boats tranquil for my long exposures. And, yes, a final reward as Marina Grande non ha deluso (did not disappoint) as the seafood was “eccezionale” (exceptional)!
    Barche da pesca a riposo su azzurre ..ande
  • “Let Us Begin Again – Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
“Let us begin again, for until now we have done nothing,” Francis uttered these words as he was nearing his death. He knew that conversion is never a single moment and a flash of lightning but a lifelong journey. Thus, every day we need to constantly renew our commitment to Christ which we vowed in our baptism, to follow the Gospel as we have promised in our Christian journey, to be closer to God as our spirituality would require. In the Incarnation, Jesus, in divesting himself of divine glory to embrace a poor human existence except for sin elevated all of our humanness to its divine condition. St. Francis does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living word, this mystery was at the heart of his understanding of who God is. For Francis, a meditation on this divine prophecy was at the heart of his understanding of God’s saving love for us. It was also at the heart of Francis’s wholehearted embrace of poverty, of humility, of all of the divine virtues.
    Let Us Begin Again – Painting by Din..etta
  • “The Spirit of God descends like a Dove - Painting by Dino Carbetta – Azure”…<br />
<br />
Gospel Jn 20:19-23 “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”<br />
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. For as Christ’s sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ* does our encouragement also overflow. If we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement and salvation; if we are encouraged, it is for your encouragement, which enables you to endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement.”
    Lo Spirito di Dio scende come una Co..urro
  • “I saw the Spirit descend like a Dove - Painting by Dino Carbetta – Azure”…<br />
<br />
Acts 2:1-4 “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Jn 20:19-23 “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
    Ho visto lo Spirito scendere come un..urro
  • “And this be our motto - "In God is our trust," And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation! Blest with vict'ry and peace may the heav'n rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto - "In God is our trust," And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
    And this be our motto - In God is ou..etta
  • “The boat of Saints Giacomo and Giovanni rests in the evening sun - Marina Grande Sorrento”…<br />
<br />
Mt. Chapter 4:20-22 “At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.” Sunday afternoon in this tiny hallowed port on the Mediterranean was bustling, not with tourists, but with energetic and unassuming locals. The misty skies were vulnerable all day with the promise of rain, but the reluctant sun penetrated the clouds for a few fortuitous moments. God painted the skies for brief moments with luminous pastel elements of abstract color. We left after lunch only to humbly return perceiving the brilliant orange skies cascading down upon the piccolo village as a gift from Heaven. I am not an expert in, nor born in Marina Grande or Sorrento, but the Gulf of Naples is where my Grandfather and his family are from. It seems that every time I have set foot in this tiny village, the skies explode with color and welcome its former lineage home. Shortly after the last picture was captured, it was meal time with the entire Pilgrimage group. A perfect dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ristorante di “Zi'Ntonio Mare, was enjoyed by all!
    La barca dei Santi Giacomo e Giovann..ento
  • "Waiting for the visitation of St. Francis with Grace - Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi"<br />
<br />
The seventh morning of our Pilgrimage, we sorrowfully said goodbye to the majestic Sorrento and set out to find the spiritual mecca of Assisi. The excitement of Saint Francis' mountaintop walled village perked our eyes toward the bus windows. Hotel Giotto welcomed all!  An evening Mass with Fr. Peek in the PAX Chapel (a small underground sanctuary in Saint Francis Basilica) hosted our celebration. Mass was celebrated in honor of the wedding anniversary of Bill and Bardeen Dunphy from Atlanta, GA. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of people and Catholics in which I had the honor to accompany on our Pilgrimage. A small group of only 12, but mighty in character, affection, spirituality, and compassion. Bill and Bardeen epitomized this nature and shared their love will all our Pilgrims and those who witnessed our gatherings. We were also blessed by a humble, yet charismatic Priest, Fr. Kevin Peek. He seemed to know every other person in Italy, and subsequently, we all found new friends at dinner time. I cannot honestly conclude a more perfect Pilgrimage Priest than Father, and he was the epitome of a Spiritual guide. He not only celebrated Mass each morning in the most beautiful and prestigious Basilica’s in the world, he also led nighttime rosary walks through the Italian Strada, offered confession, interjected stories of the Saints, discussed all Italian epicurean delights with great enthusiasm, and spread the word and love of God to anyone who would listen.  After Mass, the sun once again glowed as it set behind Saint Francis Basilica. There is probably not a more exteriorly photographed church in the world, and it always seems eager to please. The Basilica poses graciously night or day and proudly extends a loving welcome not only to those who are blessed to be there but all those who witness its image created by God and the fortunate artist of capture.
    In attesa della visita di San France..sisi
  • “I saw the Spirit descend like a Dove - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Acts 2:1-4 “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Jn 20:19-23 “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
    Ho visto lo Spirito scendere come un..etta
  • “The Supreme Sacrifice remembered during Lent – Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Ashes Signify: “When God drove our first parents from the Garden, he reminded Adam, “you are dust, and to dust, you shall return” (Gn 3:19). We hear these words each year on Ash Wednesday, when the priest places ashes on our foreheads, a reminder of our mortality and the seriousness of the Lenten pilgrimage we are about to begin. Throughout the Old Testament ashes signify sorrow and repentance. Jeremiah commands Israel to mourn its impending doom when he says, “dress in on sackcloth, roll in ashes” (Jer 6:26). When Job emerges from his harrowing face-to-face encounter with God, he says, “I have spoken but did not understand.… Therefore I … repent in dust and ashes” (Jb 42:3-6). Jesus employs similar imagery when he criticizes his listeners’ hardness of heart: “Woe to you … if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes” (Mt 11:21). Ashes and dust amount to the same thing. Neither is particularly pleasant, and both remind us God used some pretty unattractive material when he created us. Lent reminds us how much Christ took on through the Incarnation and what he offered up to us on the cross.” Father Reginald Martin
    Il Supremo Sacrificio ricordato dura..etta
  • Saint Anthony of Padua inside Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Assisi - Painting by Dino Carbetta<br />
<br />
Anthony was the most celebrated of St. Francis of Assisi’s followers and had the reputation of a miracle worker. On January 16, 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church. In art, he is shown with a book, a heart, a flame, a lily, or the child Jesus. Among his authentic writings are sermons for Sundays and feast days, published at Padua in three volumes in 1979. The Gospel call to leave everything and follow Christ was the rule of Saint Anthony of Padua’s life. Over and over again, God called him to something new in His plan. Anthony always responded with renewed zeal and self-sacrifice to serve his Lord Jesus more completely. The call of God came again at an ordination where no one was prepared to speak. The humble and obedient Anthony hesitantly accepted the task. The years of searching for Jesus in prayer, of reading sacred Scripture and of serving him in poverty, chastity, and obedience had prepared Anthony to allow the Spirit to use his talents. Anthony’s sermon was astounding to those who expected an unprepared speech and knew not the Spirit’s power to give people words. Recognized as an exceptional man of prayer, tremendous Scripture/theology scholar, and prolific orator, Anthony became the first friar to teach theology to the other friars. On June 13, he became very ill and asked to be taken back to Padua, where he died after receiving the last sacraments. He whom popular devotion has nominated as the finder of lost objects and causes found himself by losing himself totally to the providence of God.
    Sant'Antonio da Padova all'interno d..etta
  • “Altar of the Crucifix - Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa of the Frari Venice”…<br />
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The altar, designed by Baldassare Longhena and executed by the Flemish Giusto Le Court, was built in 1672 by Father Agostino Maffei. On the tympanum, angels hold up the image of Veronica's burial cloth. Between the two marble columns, there are angels holding the tools to the Passion of Christ and two other kneeling at the foot of the crucifix. The complexity and aggregate of all the artwork involved in this presentation are a bit overwhelming. It is surely not the norm for the simplistic stylings of the Franciscans. However, the Basilica di Frari is one of my most favorite churches in all of Italy. Outwardly nondescript, walking through the doorway, one is instantly overwhelmed by its ancient beauty and grandeur. My imagination explodes with a fascinating impression of great history, aesthetic brilliance and the “Holy” who have embarked upon this monumental “Basilica masterpiece!” “Frari,” is a very large Gothic church of the early 15th-century now filled with elaborate paintings and tombs. The interior is light and spacious and claims are often made for the Frari being almost a museum of Venetian Renaissance art. “The Assumption” is a brilliant large altarpiece painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Titian. It is the largest altarpiece in the city and necessitated by the very large church. The wood crucifix from 1468, hangs over the entrance of the choir. Traditionally, there was a Calvary hanging above the choir and beside the Crucifix, there are the sculptures of the Madonna and Saint John the Evangelist. It is very likely that – thanks to His beauty and relevance – this crucifix was taken as a pattern for many others in Venezia and the Veneto region. Just like most former tourists of Italy, one yearns for the delectable anamnesis of Gelato. I agree with that memorable thought, but I also hunger and languish for Venice and all its hidden spirituality that most simply overlook.
    Altare del Crocifisso - Basilica di ..ezia
  • "Habakkuk and the Angel (Bernini) - Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo Chigi Chapel"...
    Habakkuk e l'Angelo (Bernini) - Basi..apel
  • “Our Lady of Sorrows - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi”…<br />
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The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiore at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect of the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi. Altare dell’ Addolorata consists of this dramatic statue of the Madonna Addolorata from 1672. Upon lighting candles for friends and family, a Franciscan Sister unknowingly posed in reflection completing the reverent presentation.
    Madonna Addolorata - Duomo di San Ru..sisi
  • “Panorama Sunset from Sorrento over Sant'Agnello and the Gulf of Naples”…<br />
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Lucio Dalla wrote a famous song, also performed by the great Pavarotti about the great tenor Caruso who loved Sorrento. Caruso: “Here, where the sea glistens and the wind blows hard, on an old terrace in front of the Sorrento gulf a man embraces a girl after having cried then he clears his throat and restarts the song. I love you very much but so, so much, you know. It is a chain, by now that dissolves the blood inside the veins, you know. Saw the lights in the middle of the sea, thought of the nights there, in America, but they were only fishing lights in the whitewash of a propeller. Felt the pain in the music, stood himself up from the pianoforte but when he saw the moon come out of a cloud to him, even death seemed sweeter. Looked at the girl in the eyes, those eyes green like the sea, then, all of a sudden, a tear came out and he thought he was drowning. I love you very much but so, so much, you know. It is a chain, by now that dissolves the blood inside the veins, you know. Power of the opera where every drama is a falsehood, that, with a bit of makeup and with mimicry, you can become someone else. But, two eyes that are looking at you, so close and true, make you forget the lyrics, confuse the thoughts. So everything becomes small, even the nights there, in America, you turn and see your life as the wash of a propeller. But yes, it's life that is ending, but he didn't so much think about it, rather, he was already feeling happy and restarted his song. I love you very much but so, so much, you know. It is a chain, by now that dissolves the blood inside the veins, you know. I love you very much but so, so much, you know. It is a chain, by now that dissolves the blood inside the veins.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTD1Fub5wlo
    Panorama Tramonto da Sorrento sopra ..poli
  • "Crucifixion above the altar of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi"...<br />
<br />
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi is located outside the first city walls, in Piazza del Vescovado. It was the heart of the medieval bishop's citadel and center of religious power until the 11th century when it gave the title of the Cathedral to San Rufino. According to tradition, the first Cathedral of Assisi was built on this site close to the Roman city walls in the 4th century.  The crypt under the apse of the present church, which is the oldest surviving part of the structure, seems to date to the 9th or 10th century. St. Francis was baptized in the temple. The interior has a basilica plan with three naves, separated by pillars. In the early Middle Ages, it was an episcopal residence. In 1035, at the time of Bishop Ugone, the title of Cathedral was transferred from Santa Maria Maggiore to the church of San Rufino, where the relics of the patron saint were kept. San Francesco was a guest of Bishop Guido I several times in the adjacent Palazzo Vescovile, in front of which he stripped off his clothes, nurturing a special bond with the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. A stone outside the apse bears witness to works carried out at the time of Francis and Bishop Guido in the year 1216. I found the ancient church to be uncomplicated, yet comforting and reverent. The primitive and recently discovered catacombs below, reveal their age and status throughout history.
    Crocifissione sopra l'altare della C..sisi
  • “Misty sunset over Marina Grande Sorrento - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Duomo di Sorrento is one of my favorite hidden treasures of Italy. Our last day on the bellissimo Amalfi Coast, Father Peak offered a venerable morning Mass for our semi-exhausted group of Pilgrims upon the High Altar. Hallelujah, it was our first free day of the 2019 Pilgrimage and most were heading to Capri. I convinced my fellow Pilgrim Patrick that Marina Grande was the preferred location to commemorate this rain-threatened day. Sunday afternoon in this tiny hallowed port on the Mediterranean was bustling, not with tourists, but with energetic and unassuming locals. The misty skies were vulnerable all day with the promise of rain, but the reluctant sun penetrated the clouds for a few fortuitous moments. God painted the skies for brief moments with luminous pastel elements of abstract color. We left after lunch only to humbly return perceiving the brilliant orange skies cascading down upon the piccolo village as a gift from Heaven. Glorious rumination abounds with the thought of sacred scripture; “John answered them all, saying, ‘I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Luke 3:16-17) I am not an expert in, nor born in Marina Grande or Sorrento, but the Gulf of Naples is where my Grandfather and his family are from. It seems that every time I have set foot in this tiny village, the skies explode with color and welcome its former lineage home. Shortly after the last picture was captured, it was meal time with the entire Pilgrimage group. A perfect dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ristorante di “Zi'Ntonio Mare, was enjoyed by all!
    Tramonto nebbioso su Marina Grande S..etta
  • "The sun sets over the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
The seventh morning of our Pilgrimage, we sorrowfully said goodbye to the majestic Sorrento and set out to find the spiritual mecca of Assisi. The excitement of Saint Francis' tiny mountaintop walled village perked our eyes toward the bus windows. Hotel Giotto welcomed all!  An evening Mass with Fr. Peek in the PAX Chapel (a small underground sanctuary in Saint Francis Basilica) hosted our celebration. Mass was celebrated in honor of the wedding anniversary of Bill and Bardeen Dunphy from Atlanta, GA. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of people and Catholics in which I had the honor to accompany on our Pilgrimage. A small group of only 12, but mighty in character, affection, spirituality, and compassion. Bill and Bardeen epitomized this nature and shared their love will all our Pilgrims and those who witnessed our gatherings. We were also blessed by a humble, yet charismatic Priest, Father Kevin Peek. He seemed to know every other person in Italy, and subsequently, we all found new friends at dinner time. I cannot honestly conclude a more perfect Pilgrimage Priest than Father, and he was the epitome of a Spiritual guide. He not only celebrated Mass each morning in the most beautiful and prestigious Basilica’s in the world, he also led nighttime rosary walks through the Italian Strada, offered confession, interjected stories of the Saints, discussed all Italian epicurean delights with great enthusiasm, and spread the word and love of God to anyone who would listen.  After Mass, the sun once again glowed as it set behind Saint Francis Basilica. There is probably not a more exteriorly photographed church in the world, and it always seems eager to please. The Basilica poses graciously night or day and proudly extends a loving welcome not only to those who are blessed to be there but all those who witness its image created by God and the fortunate artist of capture.
    Il sole tramonta sulla Basilica Papa..sisi
  • “The Crucifixion of the Triumphal Sacrifice - Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Sorrento”…<br />
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Our 2019 Italy Pilgrimage with Spiritual Director: Fr. Kevin Peek offering Mass. “The Nicene Creed: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen”
    La Crocifissione del Sacrificio Trio..ento
  • “Moorish style cloister and gardens in Villa Rufolo, Ravello”…<br />
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The Villa Rufolo, which overlooks the Piazza Vescovado, is the historical and cultural center of Ravello. Built by a wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, the villa has a rich and storied past. Boccaccio, one of the earliest authors of the Italian renaissance, wrote a story about the villa and its owner in his Decameron. In its prime, it was one of the largest and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast, and legends grew about hidden treasure on its premises. When Sir Francis Neville Reid, a Scottish botanist, visited the villa in 1851, age and neglect had taken a toll on the villa and many of the rooms had fallen into ruin. Reid, however, fell in love with the Moorish towers and the expansive views. He purchased the villa and began an extensive renovation of the gardens and the remaining rooms. The town has become known as “la città della musica“, city of music, and for the past several decades the Villa Rufolo has been the center of an annual summer concert series that features piano concerts, chamber music, and a grand orchestral performance on a stage built jutting out over the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Amalfi Coast below. The gardens and grounds of the Villa Rufolo are open year-round and attract visitors from all over the world. Juxtaposed against the sea, the sky, umbrella pines, and the Church of the Annunziata below, the gardens, with their profusion of flowers, have a magical quality to them. The villa itself contains two large towers and the larger of them stands next to a magnificent Moorish style cloister. Because of the magnificent gardens, the Moorish architecture, and the inspiring vistas, the Villa Rufolo is often described as a smaller version of Spain’s famed Alhambra. Traversing the Amalfi Coast was as thrilling as it sounds. The small towns built into the cliffside along the Mediterranean Sea romanticize of glorious past and envisage adventures to come.
    Chiostro e giardini in stile moresco..ello
  • “The Immaculate Heart of Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a devotional name used to refer to the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Early Christians were first attracted by the love and virtues of the Heart of Mary. The Gospel itself invited this attention with exquisite discretion and delicacy. Compassion for the Virgin Mother was the first characteristic of this devotion and appeal. It was at the foot of the Cross that the Christian heart first made the association to the Heart of Mary. Simeon's prophecy paved the way and furnished the devotion with one of its favorite formulae and most popular representations: “the heart pierced with a sword.” But Mary was not merely passive at the foot of the Cross; "she cooperated through charity," as St. Augustine says, ‘in the work of our redemption." The veneration of the Heart of Mary is analogous to the worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There are, however, differences in this analogy as devotion to the heart of Jesus is especially directed to the "divine heart" as overflowing with love for humanity. In the devotion to Mary, however, the attraction is the love of her heart for Jesus and God. The second difference is the nature of the devotion itself: in the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Roman Catholic venerates in a sense of love responding to love, in the devotion to the Heart of Mary, study and imitation hold as important a place as love. The devotion aims to unite humankind to God through Mary's heart, and this process involves the ideas of consecration and reparation. The idea for this painting was to include all the elements of Her perfect Heart, Christ, and His Holy Spirit.
    Il Cuore Immacolato di Maria - Dipin..etta
  • "St. Jerome in front of the Miracle of St. Joseph of Cupertino - Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Venezia”... <br />
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Alessandro Vittoria sculpted the statue of St Jerome in 1564 and resembles the famous statues by Michelangelo in the sacristy of St. Lorenzo in Florence. St. Jerome was defined as “one of the most famous works of the 1500s,” imitating Michelangelo’s style. The expression, the realistic likeness to the human form, the strength, and finesse demonstrate the introspective talent of the artist. The Miracle of St. Joseph of Cupertino who is most famous for levitating at prayer, is painted by Giuseppe Nogari. His paintings are striking for their emotional content, subdued decoration, and coloration, and often display aged individuals in somewhat homely or shabby attire with a dark background. The Basilica di Frari is one of my most favorite churches in all of Italy. Outwardly nondescript, walking through the doorway, one is instantly overwhelmed by its ancient beauty and grandeur. My imagination explodes with a fascinating impression of great history, artistic brilliance, and the “Holy” who have embarked upon this monumental “Basilica masterpiece!” “Frari,” is a very large Gothic church of the early 15th-century, initially built of brick (like many Franciscan churches designed for preaching to large crowds, but now filled with elaborate paintings and tombs.) The interior is light and spacious and claims are often made for the Frari being almost a museum of Venetian Renaissance art. Just like most former tourists of Italy, one yearns for the delectable anamnesis of Gelato. I agree with that memorable thought, but I also hunger and languish for Venice and all its hidden spirituality that most simply overlook.
    San Girolamo di fronte al Miracolo d..ezia
  • “Santa Caterina extends the Cross and the Olive Branch as Patron of Italy in front of her Sanctuary-house in Siena”…<br />
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The monumental statue of St. Catherine of Siena, created by Bruno Buracchini and donated to the Diocese of Siena in 1972, and stands in front of her home in Siena. Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-80) was a lay-affiliate of the Dominican Order famed for her intellect and mystical visions of Christ. She was the 23rd child of Jacopo and Lapa Benincasa and grew up as an intelligent, cheerful, and intensely religious person. What is most impressive about her is that she learns to view her surrender to her Lord as a goal to be reached through time. She entered the Dominican Third Order at 18 and spent the next three years in seclusion, prayer, and austerity. Her public influence reached great heights because of her evident holiness and the deep impression she made on the pope. She worked tirelessly for the crusade against the Turks and peace between Florence and the pope. In 1378, the Great Schism began, splitting the allegiance of Christendom between two, then three, popes and putting even saints on opposing sides. Catherine spent the last two years of her life in Rome, in prayer and pleading on behalf of the cause of Pope Urban VI and the unity of the Church. She offered herself as a victim for the Church in its agony. She died surrounded by her “children” and was canonized in 1461. Catherine ranks high among the mystics and spiritual writers of the Church. In 1939, she and Francis of Assisi were declared co-patrons of Italy. Pope Paul VI named her and Teresa of Avila doctors of the Church in 1970. The Shrine of Saint Catherine occupies the site of Catherine's family home, where she was born in 1347 and where she lived her austere early life as a Dominican affiliate. The house has been much adapted; it is now a series of chapels dedicated to the beloved saint. The monumental marble well in the courtyard dates to the 15th or 16th century.
    Santa Caterina estende la Croce e il..iena
  • “Father Peek elevates the Host for Adoration - The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of San Marco Venice”…<br />
<br />
The last day of our Pilgrimage of 2019 was spent in Venice. Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass offered by our Father Peek. Our last Mass of 2 weeks of travel throughout Italy could not have ended in a more appropriate location. My first visit to Venice was in 2012 like all tourists, I waited in line at St. Marks Basilica and was rushed through with limitations. The crowds and speed in which they pushed us through was quite underwhelming. Our Pilgrimage of 2019 reserved a special appointment for Mass in the Basilica’s main Sacristy. Father Peek once again offered a reverent Mass, and I was able to capture this blessed moment. Father in now a military Chaplin and will be deployed one year from March 2020. A more giving and blessed Priest would be difficult to find, please keep him in your prayers! One more thing about Father Peek, he truly loves his job! We discussed another Pilgrimage to Italy in the autumn of 2021, it will be life changing, please join us. I was not allowed further images on the rest of the tour of St. Marks, but the intensive back-room maze we were lead to and from our destination gave me the spiritual, historical, and reverent image in my heart and soul that I so desired from this magnificent structure and its contents. I was quite overwhelmed with the ancient beauty, and the fact St. Mark watches over his earthly home with a Fatherly Spirit. To me, Venice is intoxicating and a place of passion, and it all begins at the Cathedral of St. Marks.
    Padre Peek eleva I'Host per l'Adoraz..ezia
  • "The sun sets like fire in the sky above the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
The seventh morning of our Pilgrimage, we sorrowfully said goodbye to the majestic Sorrento and set out to find the spiritual mecca of Assisi. The excitement of Saint Francis' tiny mountaintop walled village perked our eyes toward the bus windows. Hotel Giotto welcomed all!  An evening Mass with Fr. Peek in the PAX Chapel (a small underground sanctuary in Saint Francis Basilica) hosted our celebration. Mass was celebrated in honor of the wedding anniversary of Bill and Bardeen Dunphy from Atlanta, GA. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of people and Catholics in which I had the honor to accompany on our Pilgrimage. A small group of only 12, but mighty in character, affection, spirituality, and compassion. Bill and Bardeen epitomized this nature and shared their love will all our Pilgrims and those who witnessed our gatherings. We were also blessed by a humble, yet charismatic Priest, Father Kevin Peek. He seemed to know every other person in Italy, and subsequently, we all found new friends at dinner time. I cannot honestly conclude a more perfect Pilgrimage Priest than Father, and he was the epitome of a Spiritual guide. He not only celebrated Mass each morning in the most beautiful and prestigious Basilica’s in the world, he also led nighttime rosary walks through the Italian Strada, offered confession, interjected stories of the Saints, discussed all Italian epicurean delights with great enthusiasm, and spread the word and love of God to anyone who would listen.  After Mass, the sun once again glowed as it set behind Saint Francis Basilica. There is probably not a more exteriorly photographed church in the world, and it always seems eager to please. The Basilica poses graciously night or day and proudly extends a loving welcome not only to those who are blessed to be there but all those who witness its image created by God and the fortunate artist of capture.
    Il sole tramonta come fuoco nel ciel..sisi
  • “Sunlight illuminates the Crucifixion on the main altar of the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi”…<br />
<br />
The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect in the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi. The relics of St Rufino were removed from the crypt and translated to a new sarcophagus under the High Altar and newly-completed nave in 1586. The luminous window light on the side of the Crucifix surrounding Christ with Heaven’s brilliancy captured my abiding heart and unwavering soul.
    La luce del sole illumina la Crocifi..sisi
  • "Hidden villa along the Cannaregio Canal in Tolentino Venice"...<br />
<br />
The last day of our Pilgrimage was spent in one of the most iconic locations on earth, Venice! Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass. Touring the crowded Doge’s Palace proceeded, then set free to breathe in as much of the Venetian Island as possible until our final farewell dinner and return flight home in the morning. As standard fare, my fellow Pilgrim Patrick and I took off out of the starting gate with the notion to capture the entirety of Venice in a half of a day on foot. We covered exactly 8.3 miles walking, but with so much adrenaline, we could have doubled it into the nighttime. Our itinerary included Basilica’s, canals, bridges, gondolas, and anything resembling Venetian culture. Basilica dei Frari was foremost and Chiesa di San Geremia to visit St. Lucy. The maze Venice presents, GPS navigation only works occasionally on this crowded water complexity. The shutters on our cameras seemed permanently depressed as we desperately tried to capture everything we possibly could in such a short window of time, as we had to be at the waterside restaurant by 7:00 pm. It was a Bellissimo Spring day and the atmosphere that is exclusively Venice was intoxicating. We artfully meandered the narrow walkways and canals with a keen rhythm and capture of all that was superior. Not a thought of distance occurred in our surreptitious mission of Venice. We finally made it by dusk to our waterway restaurant Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was authentic and excellent.
    Nascosta villa lungo il Canale Canna..ezia
  • "The Gondoliera illuminated by the afternoon light along Rio De La Toletta Venezia"...<br />
<br />
Our itinerary included Basilica’s, canals, bridges, gondolas, and anything resembling Venetian culture, oh, and a stop for lunch. Basilica dei Frari was foremost and Chiesa di San Geremia to visit St. Lucy. The maze that Venice presents, GPS navigation only works occasionally on this crowded water complexity. The shutters on our cameras seemed permanently depressed as we desperately tried to capture everything we possibly could in such a short window of time, as we had to be at the waterside restaurant by 7:00 pm. It was a Bellissimo Spring day, and of course, we stopped for an Aperitivo which I also fell in love with on this replete journey. We artfully meandered the narrow walkways and canals with a keen rhythm and capture of all that was superior. Not a thought of distance occurred in our surreptitious mission of Venice. We finally made it by dusk to our waterway restaurant Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was authentic and excellent.
    Le Gondoliera illuminate dalla luce ..ezia
  • "The evening sun illuminates the panorama of the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
The seventh morning of our Pilgrimage, we sorrowfully said goodbye to the majestic Sorrento and set out to find the spiritual mecca of Assisi. The excitement of Saint Francis' tiny mountaintop walled village perked our eyes toward the bus windows. Hotel Giotto welcomed all! An evening Mass with Fr.Peek in the PAX Chapel (a small underground sanctuary in Saint Francis Basilica) hosted our celebration. Mass was celebrated in honor of the wedding anniversary of Bill and Bardeen Dunphy from Atlanta, GA. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of people and Catholics in which I had the honor to accompany on our Pilgrimage. A small group of only 12, but mighty in character, affection, spirituality, and compassion. Bill and Bardeen epitomized this nature and shared their love will all our Pilgrims and those who witnessed our gatherings. We were also blessed by a humble, yet charismatic Priest, Father Kevin Peek. He seemed to know every other person in Italy, and subsequently, we all found new friends at dinner time. I cannot honestly conclude a more perfect Pilgrimage Priest than Father, and he was the epitome of a Spiritual guide. He not only celebrated Mass each morning in the most beautiful and prestigious Basilica’s in the world, he also led nighttime rosary walks through the Italian Strada, offered confession, interjected stories of the Saints, discussed all Italian epicurean delights with great enthusiasm, and spread the word and love of God to anyone who would listen. After Mass, the sun once again glowed as it set behind Saint Francis Basilica. There is probably not a more exteriorly photographed church in the world, and it always seems eager to please. The Basilica poses graciously night or day and proudly extends a loving welcome not only to those who are blessed to be there but all those who witness its image created by God and the fortunate artist of capture.
    Il sole della sera illumina il panor..sisi
  • “Crucifix beyond the vestibule of the Abbey of Santa Giustina – Padua”… <br />
<br />
Our Pilgrimage finally arrived in Padua and after lunch, we discovered the Abbey of Santa Giustina attached to the Basilica built in the 6th century. It contains the relics of multiple saints (including those of St. Luke the Evangelist). Shaped in the form of a Latin cross, the prodigious Basilica of St. Giustina is one of the most colossal in all of Christianity. The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the Prato della Valle which it overlooks. There are 3 main chapels: the presbytery and 2 chapels for Saints Luke and Matthew that form the transepts and each aisle has six small chapels. The Abbey and the Basilica of St. Anthony were two of my foremost surprises and a must-see on a Pilgrimage to Italy. Unfortunately, pictures were allowed only in St. Giustina, but not in the latter. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed at the imposing wide open space of the Basilica. The high altar seemed an eternity away. It is difficult to give one a perspective of just how spacious and immense many of these basilicas can be, not only in pictures but in words. The colorful geometric marble floor leads one to the main altar, but only adds to the great depth, size, and dimension of the Basilica. A curiously placed Crucifix standing about 6’ tall is located just inside the colossal nave and appears diminutive below the 26 pillars supporting the 8 cupolas. As most basilicas are traditionally dark depending on the sunlight, the Crucifix was almost a complete faint silhouette only lit by the dome windows above the altar. Standing as close as possible with a telephoto perspective, I was able to reverse the impression of size and portray the grandiosity Christ deserves, as well as the original artist. The distant window light bled over the body and illuminated the darkness. The glow of the original beauty has become radiant. Framed by the brilliant distant archways, the Crucifixion becomes transformed.
    Crocifisso al di là di vestibolo del..dova
  • “Assisi serene afternoon view of the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Santa Chiara from Rocco Maggiore above”…<br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick, and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. After dozens of images exhausted, and nourishment for our hunger and thirst, a sad goodbye was extended to our hosts and a touch of paradise. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Assisi sereno pomeriggio vista della..alto
  • “Saint Joseph the Worker – Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Establishing deep devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, and in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955. Saint Joseph, the carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is but one example of the holiness of human labor. Saint Joseph is held up as a model of such work. Pius XII emphasized this when he said, “The spirit flows to you and all men from the heart of the God-man, Savior of the world, but certainly, no worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work.” To capture the devotion to Saint Joseph within the Catholic liturgy, in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the patron of the universal Church. This quiet Father was given the noble task of caring and watching over the Virgin Mary and Jesus now cares for and watches over the Church and models for all the dignity of human work. This painting is also a combination of many images captured from Rome and Assisi. Here along with the young Christ, this portrayal reveals both Perfect and Sacred Hearts.
    San Giuseppe il Lavoratore - Dipinto..etta
  • "Madonna embracing the Rosary - Santa Maria dei Miracoli Rome - Painting by Dino Carbetta"...<br />
<br />
The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was instituted to honor Mary for the Christian victory over the Turks at Lepanto on October 7, 1571. Pope St. Pius V and all Christians had prayed the Rosary for victory. The Rosary, or the Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the best prayers to Mary, the Mother of God. Lepanto, perhaps the most complete victory ever gained over the Ottoman Empire, on October 7, 1571, is commemorated by the invocation "Help of Christians," inserted in the Litany of Loretto. At Belgrade, the Turks were defeated on the Feast of Our Lady ad Nives in 1716.   A second victory gained that year on the Octave of the Assumption determined Pope Clement XI to command the Feast of the Rosary to be celebrated by the universal Church. Leo XIII added the invocation "Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us," to the Litany of Loretto. The Feast is in reality a great festival of thanksgiving for the signal and countless benefits bestowed on Christendom through the Rosary of our blessed Queen. In modern times successive popes have urged the faithful to pray the Rosary. It is a form of contemplative prayer, mental and vocal prayer, which brings down God’s blessing on the Church. It is a biblically inspired prayer which is centered on meditation on the salvific mysteries of Christ in union with Mary, who was so closely associated with her Son in his redeeming activity.
    Madonna che abbraccia il Rosario - S..etta
  • “The Sacred Heart of Jesus - Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina Rome - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
19 days after Pentecost, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Catechism, quoting Pope Pius XII’s beautiful encyclical on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, states, “Jesus has loved us all with a human heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, ‘is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that… love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings’ without exception. To appreciate this rich symbolism of the heart, we must remember in Judaism that the word heart represented the core of the person. While recognized as the principle life organ, the heart was also considered the center of all spiritual activity. Here was the seat of all emotion, especially love. As the psalms express, God speaks to a person in his heart and there probes him. This notion of the heart is clear in Deuteronomy 6:5-6: “Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today.” In 1675, Margaret Mary received the vision which came to be known as the “great apparition.” Jesus asked that the modern Feast of the Sacred Heart be celebrated each year on the Friday following Corpus Christi, in reparation for the ingratitude of men for the sacrifice which Christ had made for them. “O most holy heart of Jesus, the fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.”
    Il Sacro Cuore di Gesù - Minore Basi..etta
  • "Waiting along the canal near the parish of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari Venice"...<br />
<br />
 The last day of our Pilgrimage was spent in one of the most iconic locations on earth, Venice! Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass. Touring the crowded Doge’s Palace proceeded, then set free to breathe in as much of the Venetian Island as possible until our final farewell dinner and return flight home in the morning. As standard fare, my fellow Pilgrim Patrick and I took off out of the starting gate with the notion to capture the entirety of Venice in a half of a day on foot. We covered exactly 8.3 miles by foot, but with so much adrenaline, we could have doubled it into the nighttime. Our itinerary included Basilica’s, canals, bridges, gondolas, and anything resembling Venetian culture. Basilica dei Frari was foremost and Chiesa di San Geremia to visit St. Lucy. The maze Venice presents, GPS navigation only works occasionally on this crowded water complexity. The shutters on our cameras seemed permanently depressed as we desperately tried to capture everything we possibly could in such a short window of time, as we had to be at the waterside restaurant by 7:00 pm. It was a Bellissimo Spring day, and of course, we stopped for an Aperitivo which I also fell in love with on this replete journey. We artfully meandered the narrow walkways and canals with a keen rhythm and capture of all that was superior. Not a thought of distance occurred in our surreptitious mission of Venice. We finally made it by dusk to our waterway restaurant Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was authentic and excellent. The finest shrimp I have experienced, grateful speeches emanated the tiny venue. Melancholy gratification filled the ambiance as we said our final farewells to Italy and the wonderful new friendships and experiences we shared on this Pilgrimage of a lifetime!
    Aspettando lungo il canale vicino a ..ezia
  • “The Church of Sant'Anna in Marina Grande of Sorrento”…<br />
<br />
The church of Sant’ Anna at Marina Grande was consecrated as a civil parish in 1945. The church, originally dedicated to San Giacomo della Marche and a new church was created at the behest of the fishermen of the Confraternita di San Giovanni in Fontibus and dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory in 1680. The church was restored in 1800 and reconsecrated to Sant’Anna whose following in the west became popular in the 16th century when it was preached that her faith had laid the foundation of courage that allowed her daughter to stand by the Cross as her Son was crucified and still believe. The squat bell tower has a distinctive green and yellow majolica tiled cupola. Sant’ Anna’s bells are an important link between the village and its fishermen out at sea. Like many bells along the Amalfi Coast, Sant’ Anna’s bells not only call the congregation to church but chime the hours and the quarter hours. During the restoration the gilded stucco decoration was added to the cool white nave where there are statues of San Giaocchino holding two turtle doves (his other attributes are a shovel and a lamb); St Joseph; the Holy Heart of Jesus and St. Paul with his martyr’s sword. My first visit to Marina Grande, I found the church after hours to be closed, but upon my Spring Pilgrimage of 2019…the doors were open just before Mass. I captured only 2 images of the altar and the Crucified Jesus which I found alive and fascinating. Combining the two images of the small, but an elegant church with a peak of sunlight from upper windows shining upon the altar gives the reverent, spiritual, and mystical appeal the Church of Sant’ Anna in Marina Grande deserves. I hope to visit here again in the near future and spend more time getting to know this fisherman’s parish.
    La Chiesa di Sant'Anna a Marina Gran..ento
  • “Sunset on the canal in Ca 'd'Oro – Venice”…<br />
<br />
The last day of our Pilgrimage was spent in one of the most iconic locations on earth, Venice! Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass. Touring the crowded Doge’s Palace proceeded, then set free to breathe in as much of the Venetian Island as possible until our final farewell dinner and return flight home in the morning. As standard fare, my fellow Pilgrim Patrick and I took off out of the starting gate with the notion to capture the entirety of Venice in a half of a day on foot. We covered exactly 8.3 miles walking, but with so much adrenaline, we could have doubled it into the nighttime. Our itinerary included Basilica’s, canals, bridges, gondolas, and anything resembling Venetian culture. Basilica dei Frari was foremost and Chiesa di San Geremia to visit St. Lucy. The maze Venice presents, GPS navigation only works occasionally on this crowded water complexity. The shutters on our cameras seemed permanently depressed as we desperately tried to capture everything we possibly could in such a short window of time, as we had to be at the waterside restaurant by 7:00 pm. It was a Bellissimo Spring day and the atmosphere that is exclusively Venice was intoxicating.  We artfully meandered the narrow walkways and canals with a keen rhythm and capture of all that was superior. Not a thought of distance occurred in our surreptitious mission of Venice. We finally made it by dusk to our waterway restaurant Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was authentic and excellent.
    Tramonto sul canale in Ca 'd'Oro - V..ezia
  • "Cannaregio Canal Tolentino Venice"...<br />
<br />
The last day of our Pilgrimage was spent in one of the most iconic locations on earth, Venice! Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass. Touring the crowded Doge’s Palace proceeded, then set free to breathe in as much of the Venetian Island as possible until our final farewell dinner and return flight home in the morning. As standard fare, my fellow Pilgrim Patrick and I took off out of the starting gate with the notion to capture the entirety of Venice in a half of a day on foot. We covered exactly 8.3 miles walking, but with so much adrenaline, we could have doubled it into the nighttime. Our itinerary included Basilica’s, canals, bridges, gondolas, and anything resembling Venetian culture. Basilica dei Frari was foremost and Chiesa di San Geremia to visit St. Lucy. The maze Venice presents, GPS navigation only works occasionally on this crowded water complexity. The shutters on our cameras seemed permanently depressed as we desperately tried to capture everything we possibly could in such a short window of time, as we had to be at the waterside restaurant by 7:00 pm. It was a Bellissimo Spring day and the atmosphere that is exclusively Venice was intoxicating.  We artfully meandered the narrow walkways and canals with a keen rhythm and capture of all that was superior. Not a thought of distance occurred in our surreptitious mission of Venice. We finally made it by dusk to our waterway restaurant Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was authentic and excellent.
    Cannaregio Canal Tolentino Venezia
  • "Saint Helena holding the cross - Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome"...<br />
<br />
The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is located in Rome, in the Esquilino quarter, close to the Aurelian Walls and the Castrense Amphitheatre, between the Basilica of St. John Lateran and Porta Maggiore. The Basilica of the Holy Cross is part of the route of the “Seven Churches” that ancient pilgrims used to visit on foot. Several sources, including an inscription in the church, verify that the Sessorian Palace was owned by the empress St. Helen (c.255-330), Constantine's mother. From the end of the 4th century, it was said that St. Helen had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, during which she discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified and many other relics. It was also said that she wished to set up a shrine in Rome for pilgrims who could not travel to Jerusalem. The first room of the chapel has a Roman-era statue of St. Helen holding the cross. Beneath the statue is a floor believed to contain soil from the Holy Land. Under the protective glass covering the soil are many paper prayers from the faithful.  Fragments of the cross were circulating in the West by 348 AD. The earliest historical record of the church, dated to 501 AD, refers to it as "Hierusalem basilica Sessoriani palatii." Architecturally, it is notable that the 4th-century Chapel of St. Helen is quite similar in design to a martyrium that was erected by Constantine in Jerusalem to house a fragment of the True Cross. In 1492, a dramatic discovery was made in the course of repairs to a mosaic: a brick inscribed with the words TITULUS CRUCIS (Title of the Cross). Sealed behind the brick was a fragment of an inscription in wood, with the word "Nazarene" written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Title is mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. This was our first stop on our Pilgrimage of 2019 in Italy. A very propitious, historical, and spiritual beginning to a monumental journey in The Eternal City.
    Sant'Elena con in mano la croce - Sa..Roma
  • "The heavenly stairs on the morning walk along via S. Francesco - Assisi"...<br />
<br />
"My soul can find no staircase to Heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness."  (Michelangelo)<br />
<br />
“And he said to him, “Amen, amen,* I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51)<br />
<br />
“Then he had a dream: a stairway* rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God’s angels were going up and down on it.” (Genesis 28:12)
    Le scale celesti sulla mattina cammi..sisi
  • “Crucifixion beyond the entrance to the Abbey of Santa Giustina – Padua”…<br />
<br />
Our Pilgrimage finally arrived in Padua and after lunch, we discovered the Abbey of Santa Giustina attached to the Basilica built in the 6th century. It contains the relics of multiple saints (including those of St. Luke the Evangelist). Shaped in the form of a Latin cross, the prodigious Basilica of St. Giustina is one of the most colossal in all of Christianity. The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the Prato della Valle which it overlooks. There are 3 main chapels: the presbytery and 2 chapels for Saints Luke and Matthew that form the transepts and each aisle has six small chapels. The Abbey and the Basilica of St. Anthony were two of my foremost surprises and a must-see on a Pilgrimage to Italy. Unfortunately, pictures were allowed only in St. Giustina, but not in the latter. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed at the imposing wide open space of the Basilica. The high altar seemed an eternity away. It is difficult to give one a perspective of just how spacious and immense many of these basilicas can be, not only in pictures but in words. The colorful geometric marble floor leads one to the main altar, but only adds to the great depth, size, and dimension of the Basilica. A curiously placed Crucifix standing about 6’ tall is located just inside the colossal nave and appears diminutive below the 26 pillars supporting the 8 cupolas. As most basilicas are traditionally dark depending on the sunlight, the Crucifix was almost a complete faint silhouette only lit by the dome windows above the altar. Standing as close as possible with a telephoto perspective, I was able to reverse the impression of size and portray the grandiosity Christ deserves, as well as the original artist. The distant window light bled over the body and illuminated the darkness. The glow of the original beauty has become radiant. Framed by the brilliant distant archways, the Crucifixion becomes transformed.
    Crocifissione oltre l'ingresso dell'..dova
  • “Father Peek Celebrates the Lamb's Supper - Amalfi Cathedral”…<br />
<br />
A church has resided on this site in Amalfi since 596 AD and the one built in the 9th century still stands today. The present cathedral was built adjacent to the old one in the early 13th century to provide a suitable resting place for St. Andrew the Apostle. The two were originally joined together to form a single, six-nave Romanesque cathedral. Newer walls have been taken down to expose parts of the ancient original church, and one can ponder history by this glimpse back in time. Andrew, Saint Peter’s brother and one of Christ’s closest disciples was also the disciple of John the Baptist. Saint Andrew was called with Peter: “As [Jesus] was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is now called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:18-20). Stairs near the east end of the Duomo descend into the Crypt of St. Andrew, where his relics are kept in the central altar. The crypt is decorated with magnificent Baroque murals from 1660. As I knelt and prayed at the glorious crypt befitting this great disciple who was martyred on an X shaped crucifix, my mind wandered off the true nature of this chosen man who became a Saint. I stirred around to the back of the altar and found myself facing his eternal light and relics. I knelt again in prayer feeling the great essence and presence of this selfless apostle. As in many other locations and churches in Italy, where Saints seem to be from every town, I was overcome with deep emotion and an abundance of heartfelt spiritual joy! Our Pilgrimage of 2019 found us celebrating Mass in the chapel just to the left of the High Altar below the image of the “Last Supper.” A reverent and poignant remembrance of cherished time on the Amalfi Coast.
    Padre Peek Celebra la Cena dell'agne..alfi
  • "The brave little boat faces threatening skies during a dramatic sunset over Marina Grande Sorrento - Painting"...<br />
<br />
Our last day on the bellissimo Amalfi Coast, Father Peak offered a venerable morning Mass for our semi-exhausted group of Pilgrims upon the High Altar. Hallelujah, it was our first free day of the 2019 Pilgrimage and most were heading to Capri. I convinced my fellow Pilgrim Patrick that Marina Grande was the preferred location to commemorate this rain threatened day. Sunday afternoon in this tiny hallowed port on the Mediterranean was bustling, not with tourist, but with energetic and unassuming locals. The misty skies were vulnerable all day with the threat of rain, but the reluctant sun penetrated the clouds for a few fortuitous moments. God painted the skies for brief moments with luminous pastel elements of abstract color. A lonely boat gleamed in the late evening sun resting upon the silent waves. Saint Matthew’s account of Peter trying to walk on water came to mind: “Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith,* why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” (Matt: 14: 28-33) We left after lunch only to humbly return again capturing the evening seascape a few hours before our reservation with the entire Pilgrimage group for a perfect dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ristorante di “Zi'Ntonio Mare.
    La coraggiosa barchetta affronta min..tura
  • "Dynamic view from the Bar San Lorenzo Garden of the Cathedral of San Rufino of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. This charming oasis on top of Assisi, was analogous to a floral garden paradise, with astounding views of the valley below and as far away as Siena. Perfect areas abound with shaded tables and chairs and a hut for the main area of the tiny restaurant. The Italiani husband and wife smile graciously as they served up a lunch menu and drinks for the astounded patrons. It appeared to us Pilgrims that we stumbled on the most perfect plot of land in all of Assisi, and found ourselves blessed to sit and relax for moments as we could not help aiming our cameras at God’s pleasant surroundings. After dozens of images exhausted, and nourishment for our hunger and thirst, a sad goodbye was extended to our hosts and to a touch of paradise. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Vista dinamica dal Bar Giardino San ..sisi
  • "Father Peek elevates the Host for Adoration - The Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia"...<br />
<br />
For me personally, this image is one of my favorites and most poignant of our 2019 Pilgrimage. Our 4th gentile morning in Roma before leaving for Sorrento, we walked from our hotel to the Bellissimo Santo Spirito for Mass. Located just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica, the church is the center of the Divine Mercy established by St. John Paul II. Each day at 3 p.m. the congregants assemble to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in this reverent sanctuary containing relics of both St. Faustina Kowalska and St. John Paul II. The church is distinguished for its beautiful and pious artistic and aesthetic adornment, yet, also has a long history of bringing mercy to the human spirit and body. In the eighth century, there was a church in this place called Santa Maria in Sassia dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The name of the church comes from “the Saxon school,” where pilgrims from Northern Europe and Saxon nations received their first spiritual and material assistance. In 1198, at the request of Pope Innocent III, the first “Holy Spirit Hospital” in Europe was built adjacent to the church. The chapel on the right side is dedicated to The Divine Mercy and to Saint Faustina where the statue of “The Apostle of The Divine Mercy” resides with her reliquary donated by the Holy Father John Paul II. The reflection of Father Peek in “The Elevation of the Host” is after genuflection in adoration. The priest raises the Host so that the Faithful may also adore Jesus Christ, true God and true Man present on the altar. Look at the sacred Body of Jesus and then say with all your heart (interiorly): "I adore Thee, O Sacred Body of Jesus Christ, Thou art my Lord and my God; I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee above all things."
    Padre Peek Eleva Consacrata l'ostia ..ssia
  • "Pentecost - The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Venice"...<br />
<br />
Gospel Jn 20:19-23: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
    Pentecoste - La Basilica di Santa Ma..ezia
  • “Christus Patiens above the High Altar of the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Chiara d'Assisi”…<br />
<br />
Around sunset, the clouds shifted and the descending sun illuminated the Assisi mountaintop as a slight mist of rain mystified the landscape. The ascent was fraught with a multitude of very steep and exhaustive staircases, but the one consolation was the dramatic anticipation of the divine scenery emerging in the distance. As I approached the last two Churches after 7:00 pm; the Basilica of Saint Clare, and the Cathedral of Saint Rufino...I noticed the security guard locking Santa Chiara’s front door. I rushed forward anxiously and begged to just look quickly inside the Vestibule. He only spoke Italian and frustrated with me, said I had one minute inside. Aiming my camera and telephoto lens directly toward the High Altar which seemed a mile away, I clicked one picture as the guard hastily gestured me outside. Ironically, I found that no pictures are allowed in this Basilica. And, on my Pilgrimage of 2019, was frustrated during my tour of the historic and reverent church, still, no pictures were allowed. I always try to respect the rules and venerate every location, however, I did take two very surreptitious images in the Oratorio del Crocifisso (Oratory of the Crucifix), a peaceful chapel that preserves the venerable 12th-century crucifix that spoke to St. Francis at San Damiano. This abrupt photo of the painted crucifix still hangs above the high altar of Santa Chiara and was probably the first painting that was commissioned for the new church. The image was conceived shortly before Saint Clare’s death in 1260 and is attributed to the Maestro di Santa Chiara. The iconography of Christus Patiens (the dying Christ on the Cross) was widely used in early Franciscan churches. In this example, the Virgin and St John the Evangelist flank the Cross, with another figure of the Virgin (praying and flanked by angels) and Christ Pantocrator above.
    Christus Patiens sopra l'Altare Magg..sisi
  • “Angelic Woman Resting Under the Sun at the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi”…<br />
<br />
Upon arrival early that day in Assisi, I began taking photos the second I parked at Hotel Giotto just inside the walls in the foothills of Assisi. Perhaps Saint Francis arranged the dramatically perfect skies and coordinated every encounter. Beginning at the Basilica of Saint Francis, every second of the climb to the top of the mountain and the fortress of Rocca Maggiore was highlighted time after time by a vision of something more mystical and spiritual than the last. Upon my final steps to the top at almost sunset, the clouds parted and the low sun brightened as a slight mist of rain came down. The climb to the top was fraught with a multitude of very steep and exhaustive staircases, but the one consolation was the dramatic anticipation of the divine scenery emerging in the distance. Rising slowly up the Assisi hillside after a slow ascent to the highest peak, around the final corner awaited the Romanesque Duomo of Saint Rufino completed in the 12th century. In this church, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized among the many spiritual and historical missions of the Duomo. As I rose to the top and turned the corner, the low late evening sun shone brightly on the façade of the Duomo illuminating a singular woman resting in the sun by the side door. It had become damp and chilly outside, and the warm sun illuminated her angelic face so much so, I froze in my tracks and gazed in awe upon this ethereal vision. I honestly thought she might fade away as I lifted my camera for one quick photograph from about 40 yards away. Perhaps she heard the click of the camera shutter and opened her eyes because she smiled and walked away. I wished she would have stayed longer. At least I have this one photo; however, a photo will never be able to capture the true essence of this mystical and surreal moment in time.
    Donna Angelicata di Riposo Sotto il ..sisi
  • “Flowers adorn arch bridge in Cortona”… <br />
<br />
Entering Cortona, one realizes the charm and charisma of this hilltop village. With its steep streets, ruined Etruscan and Roman walls, narrow alleys, and medieval buildings, Cortona maintains ancient origins and has remained uniquely unchanged today. Before embarking upon my one month journey in Italy, I prepared by walking, running, and exercising 3-4 hours a day to get in shape to hike the steep grades carrying a 25lb. camera bag over the strenuous terrain of the Italian countryside. No amount of training prepared me for the hot and humid climate, mountainous landscape, and steep grades throughout the country of Italy, and the extremely grueling le strade in Cortona. The tiny walled town of Cortona was probably not the most fortified with large amounts of photogenic attractions within its ramparts but professed to be the perfect central Tuscany location. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970. If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the Bellissimo Tuscan Sun. The warm ambiance of Cortona, in contrast with its grueling hills…one may find colorful, delicate, and enduring beauty.
    Fiori adornano arcata passerella in ..tona
  • “The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute Venice radiates in the distance on the Grand Canal”…<br />
 <br />
Gospel MT 14:22-33 “After the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God." The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known as La Salute, is one of the largest, most iconic, and prominent churches of Venice. It stands in a prominent position at the junction between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon. In October 1630, the Venetian Senate decreed that if the city was delivered from the raging Bubonic Plague, which decimated one-third of the Venetian population, a new church would be constructed and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Basilica is an ornate, massive structure in its exterior; however, it is quite reverently quaint interiorly.
    La Basilica di Santa Maria della Sal..ande
  • “Panorama at Magic hour above the Sorrentine Peninsula”…<br />
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Saturday evening in this tiny hallowed port on the Mediterranean was mystical and magical. The overcast skies were vulnerable with the promise of rain, but the tired and reluctant sun penetrated the clouds for a few fortuitous moments as the glorious light glistened off the sea. God painted the esoteric skies for brief moments with luminous vivid elements of abstract color. Glorious rumination abounds with the thought of sacred scripture; “John answered them all, saying, ‘I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Luke 3:16-17) I am not an expert in, nor born in Marina Grande or Sorrento, but the Gulf of Naples is where my Grandfather and his family are from. It seems that every time I have set foot in this tiny village, the skies explode with color and welcome its former lineage home.
    Panorama a'ora Magiche sopra la Peni..tina
  • “Twilight ascent to Rocca Maggiore Assisi”… <br />
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Gospel Mt 7:6, 12-14 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” Upon arrival early that day in Assisi, I began taking photos the second I parked at Hotel Giotto just inside the walls in the foothills of Assisi. Perhaps Saint Francis arranged the dramatically perfect skies and coordinated every encounter. Beginning at the Basilica of Saint Francis, every second of the climb to the top of the mountain and the fortress of Rocca Maggiore was highlighted time after time by a vision of something more mystical and spiritual than the last. Upon my final steps to the top at almost sunset, the clouds parted and the low sun brightened as a slight mist of rain came down. The climb to the top was fraught with a multitude of very steep and exhaustive staircases, but the reward was always greater than the physical agony endured. "My soul can find no staircase to Heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness." - Michelangelo.
    Salita del crepuscolo fino a Rocca M..sisi
  • “The mystical evening sun's rays peeking over the hills of Assisi”…<br />
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This image was captured as the hazy sun began to set behind the mountains and a light rain began. The combination of the low, brightly veiled evening sun with the mist of the rain displayed a spectacular prism effect that dazzled the senses and displayed a glorious light show above Assisi. The magnificent display lasted until dark and was one of the many mystical and blessed experiences of my perfect 24 hours in Assisi. Upon arrival early that day I began taking photos the second I parked at Hotel Giotto just inside the walls in the foothills of Assisi. Perhaps Saint Francis arranged the dramatically perfect skies and coordinated every encounter. Beginning at the Basilica of Saint Francis, every second of the climb to the top of the mountain to the fortress Rocca Maggiore, a new surprise awaited around every corner. Upon my final steps to the top at almost sunset, the clouds parted and the low sun brightened as a slight mist of rain came down. Looking back over my shoulder, the appearance of a rainbow shone down between the Duomo of Saint Rufino and the Basilica of Saint Clare. After the first small rainbow dissipated...I moved about 200 yards to the opposite view facing the setting sun over the Basilica of St. Francis. I was fortunate to capture several dramatic images just before another rainbow appeared behind me...a spectacular and blessed show by the hand of God.
    Il mistico serata raggi del sole cap..sisi
  • “The boat of San Pietro slumbers in the evening sun - Marina Grande Sorrento”…<br />
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Duomo di Sorrento is one of my favorite hidden treasures of Italy. Our last day on the bellissimo Amalfi Coast, Father Peak offered a venerable morning Mass for our semi-exhausted group of Pilgrims upon the High Altar. Hallelujah, it was our first free day of the 2019 Pilgrimage and most were heading to Capri. I convinced my fellow Pilgrim Patrick that Marina Grande was the preferred location to commemorate this rain threatened day. Sunday afternoon in this tiny hallowed port on the Mediterranean was bustling, not with tourist, but with energetic and unassuming locals. The misty skies were vulnerable all day with the threat of rain, but the reluctant sun penetrated the clouds for a few fortuitous moments. God painted the skies for brief moments with luminous pastel elements of abstract color. A lonely white boat gleamed in the late evening sun resting upon the wet sand. Saint Matthew’s account of Peter trying to walk on water came to mind: “Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith,* why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” (Matt: 14: 28-33) We left after lunch only to humbly return again capturing the evening seascape a few hours before our reservation with the entire Pilgrimage group for a perfect dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ristorante di “Zi'Ntonio Mare.
    La barca di San Pietro sonnecchia di..ento
  • “St. Paul's in front of the Papal Basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls”…<br />
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Erected during the fourth century AD, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and the second largest after St. Peter's Basilica. It was founded on the burial ground of St. Paul. St. Paul, armed and ready with a sword, is one of the most common statues or paintings seen in Catholic Churches around the world. He is frequently depicted with a sword for two primary reasons. The first reason is because St. Paul is well-known for his epistle to the Ephesians, where he famously describes the “armor of God.” He uses the armor that was commonly worn by a Roman Solider to describe a spiritual armor that prepares a Christian to “stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:11-12). A few verses later St. Paul writes, “And take the … sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The second reason why St. Paul often carries a sword is because of a long-standing tradition of depicting martyr saints with the instrument of their death. As St. Paul was a Roman citizen, he was not eligible to be crucified. Instead, St. Paul was decapitated with a sword outside of the walls of Rome. So while St. Paul may not have been a fierce warrior, he was a “soldier of God,” fighting valiantly to spread the Kingdom of God on earth.
    San Paolo di fronte alla Basilica Pa..Mura
  • “The abandoned entrance of the past beyond Calle Dose from Ponte Venezia”…<br />
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The last day of our Pilgrimage was spent in one of the most iconic locations on earth, Venice! Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass. Touring the crowded Doge’s Palace proceeded, then set free to breathe in as much of the Venetian Island as possible until our final farewell dinner and return flight home in the morning. As standard fare, my fellow Pilgrim Patrick and I took off out of the starting gate with the notion to capture the entirety of Venice in a half of a day on foot. I am not sure if I am the first to describe Venice as “organic;” however, there has never been a more perfect description to define Venice’s ever changing persona. Venice is perhaps the most uniquely recognizable seaside city in the world, and its impression changes by the minute with the ever changing light and active tide coming in and out. Morning fog gave way to afternoon sunshine. The creaky, wet, gloomy, old, decaying Venice sinking and soaking in the morning mist… opened like flower petals in the springtime at first glimpse of sunlight. The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became passion, the creaky became sweet sounds, and the desperate island illuminated with life, color, and hope. It was a Bellissimo Spring day and the atmosphere that is exclusively Venice was intoxicating. We artfully meandered the narrow walkways and canals with a keen rhythm and capture of all that was superior. Not a thought of distance occurred in our surreptitious mission of Venice. We finally made it by dusk to our waterway restaurant Ristorante Pizzería Da Alvise, which was authentic and excellent.
    L'ingresso abbandonato del passato o..ezia
  • "Most Holy Crucifix inside the Cathedral of San Rufino Assisi painting by Dino Carbetta"...<br />
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The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect in the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi. I was struck by the elegant beauty of the “Holy Crucifix” inside the chapel. The apparent artist was Don Doni in 1561. It is carried in the annual procession in Assisi each Good Friday. The face of Christ reveals His suffering, however, it also exudes His beatification and contentment of the fulfillment of Holy Prophesy.
    Santissimo Crocifisso all'interno de..etta
  • “The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute Venice radiates in the distance on the Grand Canal –   Vignette”… <br />
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Gospel MT 14:22-33 “After the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."<br />
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known as La Salute, is one of the largest, most iconic, and prominent churches of Venice. It stands in a prominent position at the junction between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon. In October 1630, the Venetian Senate decreed that if the city was delivered from the raging Bubonic Plague, which decimated one-third of the Venetian population, a new church would be constructed and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Basilica is an ornate, massive structure in its exterior; however, it is quite reverently quaint interiorly.
    La Basilica di Santa Maria della Sal..ette
  • “The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute Venice radiates in the distance on the Grand Canal – Copious”… <br />
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Gospel MT 14:22-33 “After the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."<br />
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known as La Salute, is one of the largest, most iconic, and prominent churches of Venice. It stands in a prominent position at the junction between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon. In October 1630, the Venetian Senate decreed that if the city was delivered from the raging Bubonic Plague, which decimated one-third of the Venetian population, a new church would be constructed and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Basilica is an ornate, massive structure in its exterior; however, it is quite reverently quaint interiorly.
    La Basilica di Santa Maria della Sal..iosa
  • "A million faces of Jesus by Dino Carbetta - Spatola di metallo"...<br />
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Daniel 10: 5-6 “As I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face shone like lightning, his eyes were like fiery torches, his arms and feet looked like burnished bronze, and the sound of his voice was like the roar of a multitude.” Genesis 1:27 “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Since early childhood, my fascination with the face of Christ resulted in a multitude of sketches, drawings, and photographs. Today, my mind’s eye continues this perception in wonderment. I yearn to see, feel and touch this beatific vision. Blessed with humble skills, this is my current vision after three years of introspection and change of the face of Christ. I know that in heaven the just will see God by direct intuition, clearly and distinctly. Scripture and theology tell us that the blessed see God face to face. And because this vision is immediate and direct, it is also exceedingly clear and distinct. The blessed see God, not merely according to the measure of His likeness imperfectly reflected in creation, but they see Him as He is, after the manner of His own Being. 1 Corinthians 13:12 “At present, we are looking at a confused reflection in a mirror; then, we shall see face to face; now, I have only glimpses of knowledge; then, I shall recognize God as he has recognized me.”
    Un milione di volti di Gesù di Dino ..allo
  • "The dramatic sunset over Marina Grande Sorrento"... <br />
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Duomo di Sorrento is one of my favorite hidden treasures in Italy. Our last day on the Bellissimo Amalfi Coast, Father Peak offered a venerable morning Mass for our semi-exhausted group of Pilgrims upon the High Altar. Hallelujah, it was our first free day of the 2019 Pilgrimage and most were heading to Capri. I convinced my fellow Pilgrim Patrick that Marina Grande was the preferred location to commemorate this rain-threatened day. Sunday afternoon in this tiny hallowed port on the Mediterranean was bustling, not with tourists, but with energetic and unassuming locals. The misty skies were vulnerable all day with the promise of rain, but the reluctant sun penetrated the clouds for a few fortuitous moments. God painted the skies for brief moments with luminous pastel elements of abstract color. We left after lunch only to humbly return perceiving the brilliant orange skies cascading down upon the piccolo village as a gift from Heaven. Glorious rumination abounds with the thought of sacred scripture; “John answered them all, saying, ‘I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Luke 3:16-17) I am not an expert in, nor born in Marina Grande or Sorrento, but the Gulf of Naples is where my Grandfather and his family are from. It seems that every time I have set foot in this tiny village, the skies explode with color and welcome its former lineage home. Shortly after the last picture was captured, it was meal time with the entire Pilgrimage group. A perfect dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ristorante di “Zi'Ntonio Mare, was enjoyed by all!
    Il drammatico tramonto sopra Marina ..ento
  • “St. Francis with the Stigmata - The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli Museum - Russet”…<br />
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Portiuncula is a town and a parish situated about three-quarters of a mile from Assisi. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. It was of this little church moved within the Basilica that St. Francis recognized his vocation in the year 1208, and it was where St. Francis spent most of his life. In 1211, the Benedictines gave him the little chapel of St. Mary of the Angels or the Portiuncula, which is a “little portion” of land. The first Franciscan convent was also formed nearby. The Portiuncula was also where St. Francis received the vows of St. Clare. St. Francis died here on October 3, 1226, and on his death-bed, he recommended the chapel to the faithful protection and care of his brothers. Two years before Saint Francis of Assisi died, and when he was 42 years old — one year after he had built the first crib in honor of Our Lord — he went off to a lonely mountain called Mount Alvernia, to prepare himself by forty days of fasting and prayer for the feast of Saint Michael, the greatest of God’s angels. On the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, Saint Francis received in his hands, feet and side the Sacred Wounds from Our Lord’s own body. Never was a saint more beautifully loved than Saint Francis of Assisi. The wounds Jesus gave him stayed in his hands, feet, and side, and continually bled for two more years, until he died in 1226. This realistic image of St. Francis with the Stigmata on his hands was captured in the Basilica Museum, along with many other historical treasures from his life. Our 2019 Pilgrimage was fortunate to tour this very reverent and spiritual Basilica. It is one of the primary Pilgrimage locations in all of Italy and there seems to be a steady stream of visitors daily. I have also found this site for live daily Mass which you can enjoy day or night: https://www.facebook.com/fratiassisi/
    San Francesco con le stimmate - La B..gine
  • "Glorious Madonna of Sorrows - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi"...<br />
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The title, Our Lady of Sorrows, given to our Blessed Mother focuses on her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of our Lord. Traditionally, this suffering was not limited to the passion and death event; rather, it comprised the seven sorrows of Mary, which were foretold by the Priest Simeon who proclaimed to Mary, This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35). These seven sorrows of our Blessed Mother included the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt; the loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple; Mary's meeting of Jesus on His way to Calvary; Mary's standing at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified; her holding of Jesus when He was taken down from the cross; and then our Lord's burial. In all, the prophecy of Simeon that a sword would pierce our Blessed Mother's heart was fulfilled in these events. For this reason, Mary is sometimes depicted with her heart exposed and with seven swords piercing it. More importantly, each new suffering was received with the courage, love, and trust that echoed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to thy word, first uttered at the Annunciation. Adoration of the Madonna as a participant in the Passion of Christ is the image of the iconographic tradition finished in 1672. Luke 2:34-35 "And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."
    Gloriosa Madonna Addolorata - Duomo..sisi
  • "The sun sets like fire in the sky above the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi"...<br />
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The seventh morning of our Pilgrimage, we sorrowfully said goodbye to the majestic Sorrento and set out to find the spiritual mecca of Assisi. The excitement of Saint Francis' tiny mountaintop walled village perked our eyes toward the bus windows. Hotel Giotto welcomed all!  An evening Mass with Fr. Peek in the PAX Chapel (a small underground sanctuary in Saint Francis Basilica) hosted our celebration. Mass was celebrated in honor of the wedding anniversary of Bill and Bardeen Dunphy from Atlanta, GA. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of people and Catholics in which I had the honor to accompany on our Pilgrimage. A small group of only 12, but mighty in character, affection, spirituality, and compassion. Bill and Bardeen epitomized this nature and shared their love will all our Pilgrims and those who witnessed our gatherings. We were also blessed by a humble, yet charismatic Priest, Father Kevin Peek. He seemed to know every other person in Italy, and subsequently, we all found new friends at dinner time. I cannot honestly conclude a more perfect Pilgrimage Priest than Father, and he was the epitome of a Spiritual guide. He not only celebrated Mass each morning in the most beautiful and prestigious Basilica’s in the world, he also led nighttime rosary walks through the Italian Strada, offered confession, interjected stories of the Saints, discussed all Italian epicurean delights with great enthusiasm, and spread the word and love of God to anyone who would listen.  After Mass, the sun once again glowed as it set behind Saint Francis Basilica. There is probably not a more exteriorly photographed church in the world, and it always seems eager to please. The Basilica poses graciously night or day and proudly extends a loving welcome not only to those who are blessed to be there but all those who witness its image created by God and the fortunate artist of capture.
    Il sole tramonta attraverso la Basil..sisi
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