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  • “The light of God falls on the bell tower of Santa Maria Maggiore – Assisi”…<br />
<br />
After a progressive but slow ascent up to the mountaintop of Assisi, I took time to pause, look over my shoulder, and truly appreciate all I had seen. God always seemed to illuminate my forward path; however, He also left a glow of remembrance from where the journey began. This evening view is from the Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of St. Clare), a 13th-century church that houses the relics of St. Clare, friend and protégé of St. Francis of Assisi, and the 12th-century crucifix that spoke to St. Francis at San Damiano. The view is a rear view of the church and campanile of Santa Maria Maggiore, the first cathedral of Assisi which was built near the Roman city walls of the 4th century. The crypt under the apse of the present church is the oldest surviving part of the structure and dates to the 9th or 10th century. Santa Maria Maggiore remained the cathedral of Assisi until 1035 when San Rufino assumed this function.
    La luce di Dio cade sul campanile di..sisi
  • “The New Church Bell Tower, home of St. Francis of Assisi”…<br />
<br />
After a progressive but slow assent up to the mountaintop of Assisi, I took time to pause, look over my shoulder, and truly appreciate all I had seen. God always seemed to illuminate my forward path; however, He also left a glow of remembrance from where the journey began. This evening view is from the Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of St. Clare), a 13th-century church that houses the relics of St. Clare, friend and protégé of St. Francis of Assisi, and the 12th-century crucifix that spoke to St. Francis at San Damiano. This image is a rear view of the church and campanile of The Chiesa Nuova, built in 1615 on the site of the birthplace of St. Francis. The church was aptly named Chiesa Nuova because it was the last church to be built in Assisi at that time. The "New Church" can be defined not so much as the Shrine of St. Francis, but the Sanctuary of St. Francis where he developed his roots of holiness.
    La Chiesa Nuova Campanile patria di ..sisi
  • “Basilica di San Lorenzo Campanile – Florence”…<br />
<br />
Of all the Catholic buildings in Florence, none are documented earlier than San Lorenzo. It was consecrated in 393 by St. Ambrose, and acted as the city’s cathedral until it was rebuilt in the Romanesque period, and re-consecrated in 1059.  In 1418, the Medici family decided to rebuild it entirely, and entrusted the project to Filippo Brunelleschi who completed it in 1461. In the next century, Michelangelo was commissioned to build the New Sacristy and the Laurentian Library. The church interior architecture is a Latin-Cross with the aisles separated from the nave by Corinthian columns surmounted by high sculpted entablature blocks supporting rounded arches. The two bronze pulpits are great works of Donatello, achieving intense dramatic expressivity of New Testament Biblical scenes. The most celebrated and grandest part of San Lorenzo is the Cappelle Medici (Medici Chapels) in the apse. The Medicis were still paying for it when the last member of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, died in 1743. Almost fifty members of the family are buried in the crypt, designed by Bernardo Buontalenti. The Medicis also donated large sums of money for the façade.  However, it has yet to be built even though Michelangelo designed the plans.  The campanile dates from 1740, and as I meandered with wonderment about Florence one evening in the direction of San Lorenzo, the bright descending sun blinded me as I turned the corner. Stopping in my tracks, I waited with anticipation as it fell just below the cupola and campanile blessing the view with a perfect silhouette, glowing crosses, and a symbolic reflection.
    Basilica di San Lorenzo Campanile - ..enze
  • **Campanile della Cattedrale dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo – Sorrento<br />
<br />
The main church in Sorrento is the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo, which is concealed right in the heart of the town. Sorrento is not known as a pilgrimage site, but a beautiful seaside resort village. The Duomo dates as far back as the 11th century but was completely rebuilt in the 15th century in Romanesque style. The façade is very plain for a Cathedral of such interior grandeur, which has three naves separated by pillars and a very ornate ceiling. Next to the cathedral is a bell tower resting on an arch with four columns, which dates back to medieval times. Inconspicuously, I entered the cathedral and saw only a dozen elderly women sitting in the front pews reciting aloud a novena. Not wanting to disturb them, I ventured around quietly and was taken aback by the reverent beauty and peaceful aura of the magnificent Duomo. Hanging above the Altar was a lifelike Crucifix. It was not as large as it appears in the photos; however, the closer I ventured…the more mesmerized I became. Slowly and quietly moving about, from different angles I was able to capture dramatic images of window light illuminating Christ in a mystical way. This image with the sunlight shining through the window is one of my most meaningful and favorite images from my Italian journey. I believe that if you gaze for a minute or two, you will also be transported on a remarkable journey.
    Campanile della Cattedrale dei Santi..ento
  • "The Temple of Venus and Rome with the Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana Campanile"...
    Il Tempio di Venere e Roma con la Ba..nile
  • “The bell tower of Santa Chiara in Assisi rises high in the sky”…<br />
<br />
After a progressive but slow assent up to the mountaintop of Assisi, I took time to pause, look over my shoulder, and truly appreciate all I had seen.  God always seemed to illuminate my forward path; however, He also left a glow of remembrance from where the journey began. This evening view is of the campanile from the Basilica di Santa Chiara. This 13th-century church houses the relics of St. Clare, friend and protégé of St. Francis of Assisi, and the 12th-century crucifix that spoke to St. Francis at San Damiano. The churches, Basilicas, Duomos, and all the spiritual history of this tiny hilltop village, force one to realize the blessings of the Saints who traversed the same footsteps as we walk today.  It is remarkable to imagine that seven Saints originated from Assisi over a 15 century period.  What a great percentage of the blessed from such a small town!  Assisi is perhaps one of the most visited pilgrimage areas in the world, and people from all races and religions come here to experience and find the peace which has blessed so many.  They say that one can almost hear all the prayers lifted up from the walls of this most spiritual of places.
    Il campanile di Santa Chiara ad Assi..ielo
  • “The sunset illuminates the bell tower of Santa Maria Maggiore - Assisi”…<br />
<br />
After a progressive but slow ascent up to the mountaintop of Assisi, I took time to pause, look over my shoulder, and truly appreciate all I had seen. God always seemed to illuminate my forward path; however, He also left a glow of remembrance from where the journey began. This evening view is from the Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of St. Clare), a 13th-century church that houses the relics of St. Clare, friend and protégé of St. Francis of Assisi, and the 12th-century crucifix that spoke to St. Francis at San Damiano. The view is a rear view of the church and campanile of Santa Maria Maggiore, the first cathedral of Assisi which was built near the Roman city walls of the 4th century. The crypt under the apse of the present church is the oldest surviving part of the structure and dates to the 9th or 10th century. Santa Maria Maggiore remained the cathedral of Assisi until 1035 when San Rufino assumed this function.
    Il tramonto illumina il campanile di..sisi
  • “View from the Grand Canal of the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice”…<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 ..ezia
  • “Madonna illuminates the altar of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Assisi”…<br />
<br />
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is the church dedicated to Mary which was built over a Roman temple to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Parts of the Roman temple which dates from the time of Augustus (63 BC-AD 14) remain. As Christianity became official in the Roman Empire, the Temple became abandoned. Benedictine monks restored the temple and eventually, the Italian Renaissance-inspired a newfound appreciation for classical art and architecture. In 1539, Pope Paolo III ordered the Temple of Minerva to be completely restored and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, queen of true wisdom. The temple then took the name of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. The six imposing Corinthian columns and the entire Roman façade are still intact after 2,000 years along with the towering Campanile. As the center of ancient Assisi, and still prominent today… this former Temple and now sacred church seems to be at the heart of the existence of Assisi. Additionally, the famous artist Giotto painted frescos of the life of Saint Francis which adorn the walls of the Saint’s Basilica including images of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Ironically, Giotto’s placing of St. Francis in the local scenery was the first of its kind, thus the beginning of the Renaissance. In 1791 it was consecrated on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. And, after the Apparition of Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception seen by St. Bernadette which took place in Lourdes, France…this statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in the hollowed earth behind the altar. As I hiked the steep grade upward to the top of Assisi, a respite seemed to arise from the ancient Roman era and took me back in time. The imposing columns gave way from the ancient exterior progressing inside discovering the serene and peaceful Virgin Mary, Queen of True Wisdom.
    Madonna illumina l'altare di Santa M..sisi
  • “Illuminating glow of the Grand Canal in Venice”…<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. Venturing about 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 one of 6500 images. Not until I began writing these descriptions did I realize that many of these captures were taken the day I arrived in Venice…it was sensory overload.  Canal sunsets became the norm of my three days in Venice. This has always been one of my favorite images taken from a little alley behind the famous Rialto Bridge peering down the Grand Canal. One cannot help notice the towering Campanile of The Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli di Cristo (Church of the Holy Apostles of Christ). It is a 7th-century Roman Catholic Church, and one of the oldest churches in the city. Not imposing from the exterior, but sacred-elegant and austere interiorly, very much worthy of Mass or just a visit.
    Illuminando bagliore del Canal Grand..ezia
  • "High altar panorama of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore Florence"...<br />
<br />
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known simply as the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The impressive Gothic cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the famous baptistery and a campanile. Built in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world. Walking down the strada, and turning the corner to view the massive Duomo painted against the sky was captivating. I stopped in my tracks and began taking photos; however, the huge Florence crowds prevented most images from ground level. This was one of the first images I photographed noticing the ancient architecture of the Duomo competing across the narrow strada with the more modern buildings of Firenze.
    Altare maggiore panorama della Basil..enze
  • “The Bronze Dome of San Geremia - Casa di Santa Lucia rises above the Grand Canal - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
I never knew quite where I was going in Venice, but just followed the canal, or became trapped by the canals with no way of crossing and had to backtrack.  Probably not the best way to traverse the Venice Lagoon.  My last evening in Venice, I accidentally stumbled on Ponte dei Scalzi, "bridge of the barefoot [monks]," one of only four bridges in Venice to span the Grand Canal. The bridge connects the Sestieri of Santa Croce and Cannaregio. I set up my camera facing east in view of the dome and campanile of Chiesa di San Geremia, which contains the relics of Saint Lucy.  Santa Lucia - virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. She is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily). Because of various traditions associating her name with light, she came to be thought of as the patron of sight. Saint Lucy is one of my favorite saints, not only for her great faith but her very name and remembrance is the very essence and luminance of my images. The original church was founded in the 11th century with the present version dating to 1760.  After the sunset, I found my way back to my favorite restaurant, Hosteria Al Vecio Bragosso, for another amazing dinner.
    La Bronzo Cupola di San Geremia - Ca..etta
  • “The evening descends on the church of San Nicolò da Tolentino Venice - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
My second evening enjoying the mystical aura of the Veneziano light and color, I once again found myself meandering about without ever having a good idea of my destination. Leaving the hotel every morning, I always had a semblance of an idea of what I wanted to do, see, and photograph. However, Italy always seemed to change my plans turning the first corner of the day, only to fall in love once again with the cultural brilliance and colorful antiquity which personifies the Italian landscape. This was just the beginning of many mornings, days, and evenings of my Italian inauguration. As I stood gazing down the Tolentini Canal, the evening sun shone perfectly upon the campanile and tower of the Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino. And once again, a flying seagull posed perfectly for the photo. This photograph is beautiful in its own right, but taking the time to finally capture the Venetian essence in a painting, added to the intoxicating appeal of the total allure of  Venice.
    La sera scende sulla chiesa di San N..etta
  • “Dome of San Nicola da Tolentino keeps vigil over the peaceful Canal of Venice - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<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 dynamic 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 the first glimpse of sunlight. The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became a 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. Canal sunsets became the norm of my three days in Venice. This peaceful evening image was created standing at the intersection of two canals looking toward the dramatic sky as the distant campanile of St. Nicholas of Tolentino kept a watchful eye over Bellissimo Venezia.
    Cupola di San Nicola da Tolentino ma..etta
  • “Madonna Illuminates the high altar of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Assisi”…<br />
<br />
Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is the church dedicated to Mary which was built over a Roman temple to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Parts of the Roman temple which dates from the time of Augustus (63 BC-AD 14) remain. As Christianity became official in the Roman Empire, the Temple became abandoned. Benedictine monks restored the temple and eventually, the Italian Renaissance-inspired a newfound appreciation for classical art and architecture. In 1539, Pope Paolo III ordered the Temple of Minerva to be completely restored and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, queen of true wisdom. The temple then took the name of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. The six imposing Corinthian columns and the entire Roman façade are still intact after 2,000 years along with the towering Campanile. As the center of ancient Assisi, and still prominent today… this former Temple and now sacred church seems to be at the heart of the existence of Assisi. Additionally, the famous artist Giotto painted frescos of the life of Saint Francis which adorn the walls of the Saint’s Basilica including images of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Ironically, Giotto’s placing of St. Francis in the local scenery was the first of its kind, thus the beginning of the Renaissance. In 1791 it was consecrated on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. And, after the Apparition of Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception seen by St. Bernadette which took place in Lourdes, France…this statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in the hollowed earth behind the altar. As I hiked the steep grade upward to the top of Assisi, a respite seemed to arise from the ancient Roman era and took me back in time. The imposing columns gave way from the ancient exterior progressing inside discovering the serene and peaceful Virgin Mary, Queen of True Wisdom.
    Madonna Illumina l'altare maggiore d..sisi
  • “Pastel Sunset of the Venetian Canal”…<br />
<br />
I never knew quite where I was going in Venice, but just followed the canal, or became trapped by the canals with no way of crossing and had to backtrack. Probably not the best way to traverse the Venice Lagoon. My last evening in Venice I accidentally stumbled on Ponte dei Scalzi, "bridge of the barefoot [monks],” one of only four bridges in Venice to span the Grand Canal. The bridge connects the Sestieri of Santa Croce and Cannaregio. I set up my camera facing east in view of the dome and campanile of Chiesa di San Geremia, which contains the relics of Saint Lucy, the patron saint of our eyes. After taking many images of the descending sun, I decided to follow the sun by way of the church of San Geremia taking a hard left northwest along the Cannaregioa Canal, and taking this photo of the setting sun from the bridge, Ponte delle Guglie. After the sunset, I found my way back to my favorite restaurant, Hosteria Al Vecio Bragosso. Che Dio Benedica l'Italia!
    Tramonto Pastello del Canale Veneziano
  • “Church of San Nicola da Tolentino – Veneto”…<br />
<br />
My second evening enjoying the mystical aura of the Veneziano light and color, I once again found myself meandering about without ever having a good idea of my destination.  Leaving the hotel every morning, I always had a semblance of an idea of what I wanted to do, see, and photograph.  However, Italy always seemed to change my plans turning the first corner of the day, only to fall in love once again with the cultural brilliance and colorful antiquity that personifies the Italian landscape.  This was just the beginning of many mornings, days, and evenings of my Italian inauguration.  As I stood gazing down the colorful Tolentini Canal, the evening sun shone perfectly upon the campanile and tower of the Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino. “Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” JN 8:12
    Chiesa di San Nicola da Tolentino - ..neto
  • “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
  • “Florentine cross in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore”…<br />
<br />
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known simply as the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The impressive Gothic cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the famous baptistery and a campanile.  Built in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world.  Walking down the strada, and turning the corner to view the massive Duomo painted against the sky was captivating.  I stopped in my tracks and began taking photos; however, the huge Florence crowds prevented most images from ground level.  This was one of the first images I photographed noticing the ancient architecture of the Duomo competing across the narrow strada with the more modern buildings of Firenze.
    Fiorentina croce trova davanti alla ..iore
  • "Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore - Colored Glass Doors"...<br />
<br />
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known simply as the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The impressive Gothic cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the famous baptistery and a campanile. Built in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world. Walking down the strada, and turning the corner to view the massive Duomo painted against the sky was captivating. I stopped in my tracks and began taking photos; however, the huge Florence crowds prevented most images from ground level. This was one of the first images I photographed noticing the ancient architecture of the Duomo competing across the narrow strada with the more modern buildings of Firenze.
    Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore - ..rato
  • “Panoramic rooftop view of the Santa Maria del Fiore Basilica”…<br />
<br />
Driving into Florence from Siena on a Sunday afternoon in the midst of a sports car rally beginning in Siena, any man or woman could not help but be impressed by the Italian sports car legends of Ferraris and Lamborghinis.  However, as I arrived at the Florentine Baroque hotel Boscolo Astoria, the steady rains began.  The rooftop terrace offered spectacular city views…especially the famous Duomo.  I was able to find a spot under cover to ponder this towering ancient structure impressing upon the Florence skyline.  You may notice tourists gathered around the top of the dome and campanile with a rain soaked bird’s eye view of the famous city.  This image is a combination of three horizontal images combined to create one very wide panoramic close up view of the Duomo’s bellissimo facade.
    Vista panoramica rooftop della Basil..iore
  • “The ancient and the modern compete for a piece of heaven in Florence”…<br />
<br />
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known simply as the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The impressive Gothic cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the famous baptistery, and a campanile. Built-in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world. Walking down the Strada, and turning the corner to view the massive Duomo painted against the sky was captivating. I stopped in my tracks and began taking photos; however, the huge Florence crowds prevented most images from ground level. This was one of the first images I photographed noticing the ancient architecture of the Duomo competing across the narrow Strada with the more modern buildings of Firenze as colorful evening skies danced above.
    L'antico e il moderno competere per ..enze
  • "High altar of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore Florence"...<br />
<br />
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known simply as the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The impressive Gothic cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the famous baptistery and a campanile. Built in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world. Walking down the strada, and turning the corner to view the massive Duomo painted against the sky was captivating. I stopped in my tracks and began taking photos; however, the huge Florence crowds prevented most images from ground level. This was one of the first images I photographed noticing the ancient architecture of the Duomo competing across the narrow strada with the more modern buildings of Firenze.
    Altare maggiore della Basilica di Sa..enze
  • “Dome of San Nicola da Tolentino keeps vigil over the peaceful Canal of Venice”…<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 dynamic 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 the first glimpse of sunlight. The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became a 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. Canal sunsets became the norm of my three days in Venice. This peaceful evening image was created standing at the intersection of two canals looking toward the dramatic sky as the distant campanile of St. Nicholas of Tolentino kept a watchful eye over Bellissimo Venezia.
    Cupola di San Nicola da Tolentino ma..ezia
  • “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
  • “View from the Grand Canal of the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice - Dark”…<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 ..curo
  • “Lunette mosaic of Christ enthroned with Mary and John the Baptist - Florence Cathedral”…<br />
<br />
Santa Maria del Fiore (also known simply as the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. Its name ("Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence. The impressive Gothic cathedral complex includes the Duomo, the famous baptistery and a campanile. Built in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, it is still the largest masonry dome in the world. The Main Portals include three large bronze doors dating from 1899 to 1903. All the doors are adorned with scenes from the life of the Madonna. The mosaics in the lunettes above the doors were designed by Niccolò Barabino. They represent: Charity among the founders of Florentine philanthropic institutions; Christ enthroned with Mary and John the Baptist; and Florentine artisans, merchants and humanists.
    Lunette Mosaico di Cristo in trono c..enze
  • “Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore after the rain”…<br />
<br />
Driving into Florence from Siena on a Sunday afternoon in the midst of a sports car rally beginning in Siena, any man or woman could not help but be impressed by the Italian sports car legends of Ferraris and Lamborghinis.  However, as I arrived at the Florentine Baroque hotel Boscolo Astoria, the steady rains began.  The rooftop terrace offered spectacular city views…especially the famous Duomo.  I was able to find a spot under cover to ponder this towering ancient structure impressing upon the Florence skyline.  You may notice tourists gathered around the top of the dome and campanile with a rain soaked bird’s eye view of the famous city.
    Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore do..ggia
  • “Venice pastel sunset”…<br />
<br />
I never knew quite where I was going in Venice, but just followed the canal, or became trapped by the canals with no way of crossing and had to backtrack.  Probably not the best way to traverse the Venice Lagoon.  My last evening in Venice I accidently stumbled on Ponte dei Scalzi, "bridge of the barefoot [monks],” one of only four bridges in Venice to span the Grand Canal. The bridge connects the Sestieri of Santa Croce and Cannaregio. I set up my camera facing east in view of the dome and campanile of Chiesa di San Geremia, which contains the relics of Saint Lucy, the patron saint of our eyes.  After taking many images of the descending sun, I decided to follow the sun by way of the church of San Geremia taking a hard left northwest along the Cannaregioa Canal, and taking this photo of the setting sun from the bridge, Ponte delle Guglie.  After the sun set, I found my way back to my favorite restaurant, Hosteria Al Vecio Bragosso.
    Venezia pastello tramonto
  • “Rain soaked view of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore”…<br />
<br />
Driving into Florence from Siena on a Sunday afternoon in the midst of a sports car rally beginning in Siena, any man or woman could not help but be impressed by the Italian sports car legends of Ferraris and Lamborghinis.  However, as I arrived at the Florentine Baroque hotel Boscolo Astoria, the steady rains began.  The rooftop terrace offered spectacular city views…especially the famous Duomo.  I was able to find a spot under cover to ponder this towering ancient structure impressing upon the Florence skyline.  You may notice tourists gathered around the top of the dome and campanile with a rain soaked bird’s eye view of the famous city.
    Pioggia vista imbevuto della Basilic..iore
  • “Church of Santa Fosca bell tower above the canal of Santa Fosca Venice - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<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. My fellow Pilgrim Patrick and I took off out of the starting gate with the notion of capturing the entirety of Venice in 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, canals, bridges, gondolas, and anything resembling Venetian culture. Basilica dei Frari was foremost and Chiesa di San Geremia to visit St. Lucy. In 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 to 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 from 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!
    Chiesa di Santa Fosca campanile sopr..etta
  • “Ca 'Rezzonico Civic Museums Foundation of Venice and in the distance the watchful bell tower of the Church of San Samuele”…<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.
    Ca' Rezzonico Fondazione Musei Civic..uele
  • "Bell tower - Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence"...
    Campanile - Basilica di Santa Maria ..enze
  • "Church of Santa Fosca bell tower above the Santa Fosca canal - 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!
    Chiesa di Santa Fosca campanile sopr..ezia
  • “Giving seed to the One who sows, Snow - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
[Isaiah 55:10-13] Yet just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it. Yes, in joy you shall go forth, in peace you shall be brought home; Mountains and hills shall break out in song before you, all trees of the field shall clap their hands. In place of the thornbush, the cypress shall grow, instead of nettles, the myrtle. This shall be to the LORD’s renown, as an everlasting sign that shall not fail.
    Dare seme a Colui che semina, Neve -..etta
  • “The Luminescent Eye of Christ Gazes Upon Saint Lucia - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Santa Lucia is a virgin and martyr of Syracuse in Sicily, whose feast is celebrated on December 13th. According to tradition, Saint Lucy was born to rich and noble parents in the year 283. Like early martyrs, Lucy had consecrated her virginity to God, and she hoped to devote all her worldly goods to the service of the poor. An arranged marriage for three years was postponed. Lucy prayed at the tomb of Saint Agatha to change her mother’s mind about her faith. As a result, her mother's long hemorrhagic illness was cured, and she consented to Lucy's desire to live for God. Saint Lucy’s rejected bridegroom, Paschasius, denounced Lucy as a Christian. The governor tried to force her into prostitution, but the guards could not move her, even hitching her to a team of oxen. The governor ordered her to be killed instead. After gruesome torture, including having her eyes torn out, she was surrounded by wood and set afire, but the fire quickly died out. She prophesied against her persecutors and was then executed by being stabbed to death. Lucy had warned Paschasius he would be punished. When the governor heard, he ordered the guards to gouge out her eyes; however, it was Lucy who removed her eyes in an attempt to discourage her persistent suitor who greatly admired them. When her body was being prepared for burial, they discovered her eyes had been restored. This and the meaning of her name "light," led to her patronage with eyes; the blind, and eye ailments. Her relics are now located in Venice in the church of San Geremia. Lucy knew of the heroism of earlier virgin martyrs. She remained faithful to their example and to the example of the carpenter, whom she knew to be the Son of God. She is the patroness of eyesight. “To God’s servants, the right words will not be wanting, for the Holy Spirit speaks in us. . . All who live piously and chastely are temples of the Holy Spirit.” – St. Lucy
    L'occhio luminescente di Cristo guar..etta
  • “The New Church birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi”…<br />
<br />
This photograph was created while approaching Chiesa Nuova (New Church) at the same time an elderly Italian man was entering for worship and prayer. As I entered the beautiful small church, a Franciscan Monk working inside saw me and without reluctance, rose from his desk and graced me with a half-hour tour speaking entirely in Italian. He never hesitated and he never assumed that I was not fluent in Italian; yet, he continued to entrust me with every detail of what looked like a mini Basilica. As we ventured around, he explained every nuance, even the crypt where Saint Francis’ parents reside. Upon completion of the tour, he shook my hand, gave me a gentle embrace, and bestowed a blessing in Italian. While not understanding the language, I left with gratitude and amazement …yet, somehow, I understood his every word.
    La Chiesa Nuova luogo di nascita di ..sisi
  • “The morning fog disappears over the Sacred Convent and the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi”…<br />
<br />
The Sacro Convento is a Franciscan friary in Assisi, Italy. The friary is connected as part of three buildings to the upper and lower church of the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, where the friar's custody with great reverence the body of Saint Francis. St. Francis wanted to be buried at this location outside of Assisi's city walls, called Hill of Hell (Collo d'Inferno - here were the gallows where criminals were put to death) because his master Jesus of Nazareth also was killed like a criminal outside of the city of Jerusalem. The Conventual Franciscans consider Assisi as the mother town and the monastery as the spiritual center of their order, while the operations center is located in Rome. Pope Gregory IX laid the cornerstone for the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi and the friary on 17 July 1228, the day after the canonization of Saint Francis. In 1230, after two years the lower church was ready to uptake the bones of Saint Francis, who had died at Portiuncula in 1226 and had been transferred to the church San Gregorio, which later became the Basilica di Santa Chiara, after Santa Chiara's death. The original part of the Sacro Convento consisted of a refectory, dormitory, chapter hall, papal hall, and a scriptorium-library. For the first 200 years of its existence, the library rivaled the Sorbonne and Avignon with a comparable number of manuscripts. The façade of the upper basilica is perhaps the most photographed church in the world. It appears smallish and antiquated from the outside. However, the deceptive upper basilica is quite large but gives way to the grand lower basilica. One has no idea of the massive structure below supporting the Basilica of Saint Francis unless realizing the Sacred Convent is the monumental base. This image confirms the magnitude of the entirety of the Convent and the Basilica.
    La nebbia mattutina svanisce sul Sac..sisi
  • "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
  • “Positano's Church of Santa Maria Assunta illuminated by the evening light”…<br />
<br />
Taking an evening stroll along the Strada of Positano, the highlight was the majestic evening view of the church of Santa Maria Assunta overlooking the hillside. The colorful dome is made of majolica tiles which are very prominent on the Amalfi Coast, and the church contains a thirteenth-century Byzantine icon of the legendary Black Madonna. All indications seemed to verify that late May in Positano presented a spectacular pallet of every color under God’s rainbow. This quaint seaside village stimulated one’s senses, aggrandizing its chest and boasting specular perfection. I cannot imagine a more benevolent time of year than during late spring to visit the Bellissimo Amalfi coast. This image was one of my last of the evening before a long hike up to the terrace of Hotel Montemare's famous restaurant. Finally, time to relax and unwind while admiring yet another truly breathtaking sea view of Positano Bay.
    Positano's Chiesa di Santa Maria Ass..sera
  • “Alba sulla Veranda a Positano”…<br />
<br />
After a solemn sunrise morning where I essentially had Positano all to myself, I began my strenuous journey down and back up the mountainside. I noticed a perfectly beautiful view on the veranda of one of Positano’s villas; however, a large gate was padlocked and prevented my sly entrance. Descending to my knees and extending the barrel of the lens through an opening in the fence, I was able to capture a single image. Sometimes it pays to break a few rules to capture a perfect vision. There was only one occasion that I was 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 6:50 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. “Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them.” LUKE 12:27.
    Alba sulla Veranda a Positano
  • “Pentecost - Painting by Dino Carbetta”...<br />
<br />
As I neared completion of this painting called “Pentecost,” I became overwhelmed and replete with emotion. It was not the composition or finality of another symbolic artwork, but the actual memory of my extraordinary Pentecost when I received the blessings and Sacrament of Catholic Confirmation. Archbishop Donoghue anointed my forehead with oil on the Altar of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta in front of an overflowing church, and my Catholic Brother and childhood friend Bob Casey’s hand on my shoulder. The first example of Confirmation can be found in Acts 8:14-17. Confirmation sponsors “bring the candidates to receive the sacrament, present them to the minister for anointing, and will later help them fulfill their baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit whom they have received.” I was overwhelmed then, and feel the same as now. Confirmation is a Sacrament in the Catholic Church in which the one who is confirmed receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the imposition of hand and anointing with oils by the bishop. It’s considered a sacrament of initiation which means that it brings you deeper into communion with the Church. “Bishops are the successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration of this sacrament demonstrates clearly that its effects are to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, her apostolic origins, and her mission of bearing witness to Christ.” It is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Confirmation brings Catholics a deepening of baptismal grace and unites us more firmly to Christ. It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit and leaves an indelible mark on the soul just like baptism. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
    Pentecoste - Dipinto di Dino Carbetta
  • “This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world - Painting by Dino”…<br />
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“Questo è l'Agnello di Dio, che toglie i peccati del mondo - Dipinto di Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus. Jn 1:29-34 “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me. I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.’ John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” Artistic credit to Alonso Cano.
    Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit pecc..etta
  • “Adoration of the Shepherds - Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament Duomo of Siena”...<br />
<br />
Located at the corner between the right transept and the presbytery, in a position corresponding to the Chapel of Sant'Ansano, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament occupies this span. The altarpiece is a canvas depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds by Alessandro Casolani beginning in 1594. The Duomo in Siena lies in a piazza above the Piazza del Campo, a great Gothic building filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio. Originally completed in 1263, the 14th century inspired an ambitious attempt to transform the cathedral into the largest temple in all of Christendom, which would dwarf even St. Peter's in Rome. The already-large Duomo would form just the transept of this huge cathedral. In 1348, the Black Death swept through the city and killed 4/5 of Siena's population. The giant cathedral was never completed, and the half-finished walls of the New Cathedral survive as a monument to Siena's ambition and one-time wealth. The magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena houses a series of some of the most important monuments of the European artistic panorama. If I was asked to choose only one place that represented the great history of art, architecture, culture, and faith in all of Italy…one would be hard-pressed to find a more complete portfolio than the Cathedral of Siena. I found myself awe-inspired just walking up and facing the elegant façade, striped walls and pillars, and massive size. Upon entering the nave, one is overwhelmed with a plethora of artistic expression and great beauty placed in every available space. From its dome, stained glass, frescos, sculptures, and to what is said to be the most magnificent marble floor in history…it is worth every minute.
    Adorazione dei Pastori - Cappella de..iena
  • "Midnight walk along Via Fontebella towards the Basilica of San Francesco d'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. At first glance of this reverent dwelling, I perceived it to be a religious structure. However, in the typical fashion of the Assisi surroundings, it was just a simple abode with a very mystical red brick sidewalk leading upward toward the light. Clichés abound as the warm light draws one near as if a moth to the flame. I didn’t follow the sidewalk but captured this image to ponder on a later date. Drifting forward the serene, quiet Basilica of Saint Francis stood majestically and glowed in the distant midnight skies. One could not help but to acquiesce to its spiritual yearning for just a few more memorable portraits in the cool dew of the early morning air.
    Mezzanotte passeggiata lungo Via Fon..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
  • "Sun hiding behind the Macuteo Obelisk - Roman Pantheon"...<br />
<br />
Eventually, one discovers that God finds a way where there is none. A very crowded Pantheon at 3:00 PM in the bright afternoon made creative photography impossible. However, getting on my knees and placing the sun behind the cross of the Obelisk created a phenomenal appeal. All are original, including the landing dove/pigeon and sun flare. The Obelisk was originally built by one of the most famous Egyptian Pharaohs about 1300 years before Christ by Pharaoh Ramses II for the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis and brought to Rome in ancient times. It was rediscovered in 1374 underneath the apse of the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. In the mid-15th century, the obelisk had been erected in the small Piazza di San Macuto some 200 meters east of the Pantheon, where it remained until its 1711 move to the Piazza della Rotonda. It is still called the Obelisco Macutèo after its previous location. Fontana del Pantheon was constructed by Giacomo Della Porta under Pope Gregory XIII in 1575, and the obelisk was added under Pope Clement XI. The city of Rome harbors the most obelisks in the world. There are eight ancient Egyptian and five ancient Roman obelisks. The Romans used special heavy cargo carriers called obelisk ships to transport the monuments down the Nile to Alexandria and from there across the Mediterranean Sea to Rome. On-site, large Roman cranes were employed to erect the monoliths. The obelisk is crowned by a bronze cross, the symbol of Jesus Christ. One idea that can be drawn from this is that Christianity—the cross of Jesus Christ—conquers paganism.  Another idea is that the obelisk represents the human desire for God which is only fulfilled in the Cross of Christ.
    Domenica di nascondersi dietro il Ma..heon
  • “Saint Joseph and the young Jesus in the Basilica of Sant'Antonino Sorrento - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… <br />
<br />
Legend has it that in the sixth century, a boy was playing on the beaches of Sorrento when suddenly, a sea creature appeared through the waves, swallowing him whole. Horrified, his mother ran to the local monastery, where she begged the abbot to save her child’s life. Remarkably, the abbot was able to bring the child back from the shadow of death, virtually unharmed. This is one of the many miracles attributed to Sorrento’s patron saint, San Antonino. La Basilica di San Antonino is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Sorrento. Built during the Baroque period, its influence shines throughout the church. Different colors of marble create a colorful display around the frescoes depicting the miracles attributed to the Saint’s life. Perhaps the most breathtaking part of the church is the crypt, directly below the altar. With white as its primary color, an angelic essence feels palpable between the walls. Small sculptures of cherubs line the two halls leading to the crypt. San Antonino was buried between the walls. In the middle of the crypt is a statue of San Antonino, its craft making it seem as if the Saint is living. One of my great memories, as I meandered about the rather large crypt in the silent church, looking through the altar to the front doors, opened…an elderly Italian man entered slowly toward the crypt. He nodded his head toward me and moved in front of the eternal candle and relics of San Antonino. He silently put his hand upon them and bowed his head in prayer as if he had done this every day of his life. Moved by his devotion and reverence, as he nodded in his exit…I imitated his every movement and prayed to this patron saint of Sorrento. This was one of my first stops on the Amalfi coast, and after two visits to the Bellissimo Sorrentino coast, I always feel like I am comfortable and spiritual at home.
    San Giuseppe e il giovane Gesù nella..etta
  • “The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute Venice radiates in the distance on the Grand Canal- Ultramarine blue”…<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." 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 conspicuous 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
  • "San Maurizio Canal Venice"...<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 in the sacristy. 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, 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. 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!
    Canale di San Maurizio Venezia
  • "Transcendent sunset of 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 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 trascendente di Marina Gran..ento
  • “The sun shines over the Papal Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi – Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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On the seventh morning of our Pilgrimage, we sorrowfully said goodbye to the splendid Sorrento and set out to find the spiritual mecca of Assisi. The excitement of Saint Francis' tiny mountaintop village perked our eyes toward the windows and Hotel Giotto welcomed all!  An evening Mass with celebrant Fr. Peek in the PAX Chapel, a small underground sanctuary in Saint Francis Basilica hosted our celebration. Mass was also in honor of the wedding anniversary of Bill and Bardeen from Atlanta, GA. I cannot say enough about the wonderful quality of people and Catholics I had the honor to accompany on our Pilgrimage. A small group of only 12, but mighty, affectionate, spiritually, and compassionate. Bill and Bardeen epitomized this nature and shared their love will all our Pilgrims and those who witness 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 embodiment of a Spiritual guide. He not only celebrated Mass each morning in the most beautiful and prestigious Basilica in the world, but he also led nighttime rosary walks through the Italian Strada, offered confession anytime, interjected stories of the Saints, discussed all Italian epicurean delights with great delight, 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 here but to all those who witness its image created by God and the fortunate artist of expression.
    Il sole splende sopra la Basilica Pa..etta
  • “The Holy Redeemer and Sacred Heart of Jesus - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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Devotion to the wounded heart of Jesus has its origins in the eleventh century when pious Christians meditated on the Five Wounds of Christ. There grew up among the faithful prayers to the Sacred Heart, prayers to the Shoulder Wound of Christ—private devotions which helped Christians to focus on the passion and death of Christ, and thus to grow in love for our Savior who had suffered and died for us. In Christian theology, Jesus is sometimes referred to by the title Redeemer. This refers to the salvation he is believed to have accomplished, and is based on the metaphor of redemption, or "buying back". In the New Testament, redemption is used to refer both to deliverance from sin and to freedom from captivity. Saint Paul uses the concept of redemption primarily to speak of the saving significance of the death of Christ. The New Testament speaks of Christ as the one Saviour for all people. The First Epistle of John says that Jesus is "the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the world" (1 John 2:2). Adherents of unlimited atonement interpret this to mean that Jesus' redemptive role is for all people without exception, while adherents of limited atonement interpret it as being for all people without distinction—for Gentiles as well as Jews. Jesus' universal role means that through him the deadly forces of evil are overcome, sin is forgiven, their contamination purified, and the new existence as God's beloved adopted children has been made available. The Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer was a Catholic liturgical feast. It is celebrated in Venice as the Festa del Redentore. In 1576 a plague broke out in Venice which in a few days carried off thousands of victims.
    Il Santo Redentore e Sacro Cuore di ..etta
  • “Chapel of St. Maximilian Kolbe - Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari - Venice Italy”…<br />
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As they were being marched away to the starvation bunkers, Number 16670 dared to step from the line. “I would like to take that man’s place. He has a wife and children.” “Who are you?”  “A priest.” No name, no mention of fame. Silence. The commandant, dumbfounded, perhaps with a fleeting thought of history, kicked Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek out of line and ordered Fr. Kolbe to go with the nine. In the “block of death,” they were ordered to strip naked, and their slow starvation began in darkness. But there was no screaming—the prisoners sang. By the eve of the Assumption, four were left alive. The jailer came to finish Kolbe off as he sat in a corner praying. He lifted his fleshless arm to receive the bite from the deadly hypodermic needle. They burned his body with all the others. Fr. Kolbe was beatified in 1971 and canonized in 1982. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, was a Polish Catholic priest and Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp of Auschwitz, located in German-occupied Poland during World War II. He had been active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, founding and supervising the monastery near Warsaw, operating an amateur radio station, and founding or running several other organizations and publications. Kolbe composed the Immaculata prayer as a prayer of consecration to the Immaculata. 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 journeys with a fascinating impression of great history, aesthetic brilliance, and the “Holy” who have embarked upon this monumental “Basilica masterpiece!” This Chapel of St. Maximilian Kolbe is a familiar theme of all the dramatic chapels around Frari reconciling the devotion and sanctity of the faithful.
    Cappella di San Massimiliano Kolbe -..alia
  • “Agnus Dei - Dipinto di Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” JN 1:35-37<br />
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.  JN 6:32-35
    Agnus Dei - Dipinto di Dino Carbetta
  • "Christ Crucified - Santa Maria della Salute Venice - BW"... <br />
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The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St. Mary of Health), 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 small interiorly. I am not sure if it was ever an active parish but more of a shrine with little room for seating. The steps wrapping around the front and sides make a perfect destination for relaxation during warm Venetian days. Interior windows open to the sky which allows for a great deal of sunlight, and as I meandered around I noticed a beautiful crucifix near the confessional. The strong rays of sunshine illuminated the face of Christ just enough to encourage one to examine their conscience one last time before entering into Sacrament of Confession.
    Cristo Crocifisso - Santa Maria dell..- BW
  • “Red bricks lead to the Papal Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi”…<br />
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This late afternoon image was captured while standing upon remnants atop the mountainside of Assisi viewing down to the resting Basilica of Saint Francis. 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 Frances, 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. The Basilica, which was begun in 1228 honoring the life of Saint Francis, is probably the most 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.
    Mattoni rossi piombo alla Basilica P..sisi
  • “Water flow from the Convent of Cells - Founded by San Francesco - Cortona”…<br />
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St. Francis came to Cortona to preach in 1211, and here at the foot of Mount Sant’Egidio found the solitude he was looking for. A young nobleman who went on to become the Blessed Guido, one of his first followers, offered him the place as a prayer retreat. From that moment St. Francis and his followers stayed in this isolated spot on the way to and from Assisi and other places where they were preaching. There was no hermitage in St. Francis’s time, however, and the saint slept on the bare rock. After he died in 1226, the first stone “cells” were built and a small oratory. What we see today is the result of the XVI century construction work. Le Celle stood abandoned until 1537 when it was granted by the Bishop of Cortona to the recently founded Third Order of Franciscans, known as the Capuchins. The hermitage was considerably enlarged by the Capuchins, who in 1634 erected a new chapel to take the place of a more ancient one. This new chapel was consecrated to St Anthony of Padua and reflects the Capuchins simple, unpretentious architectural and decorative style. I found Le Celle to be one of the pleasant surprises in and around Cortona. The tiny cells built into the side of the mountain with a stream descending along the structural edge creates a surreal and picturesque vision of Saint Francis’ image of God and nature. Imagine the spiritual solitude as Saint Francis would take hermitage here for days of ecstatic meditation with only a loaf of bread, listening to his beloved waterfall beneath a small window.
    Flusso d'acqua dal Convento Di celle..tona
  • “Nativity of St. Francis with the Holy Family - The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli Museum”…<br />
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“After visiting Bethlehem, St. Francis wanted to imitate the humble setting of Christ’s birth. In 1221, St. Francis had a novel idea. To celebrate the birth of Jesus, Francis wanted to recreate the experience of the first Christmas. He didn’t want statues inside a church, but with animals in a humble hilltop grove. St. Francis’ inspiration came after traveling to the Holy Land and seeing the exact site of Christ’s birth. The poverty of it all deeply impacted Francis and was a particular element that he wanted to celebrate at Christmas. ‘About 15 days before the Nativity of the Lord, he said to a friend in Greccio, For I would make memorial of that Child who was born in Bethlehem, and in some sort behold with bodily eyes His infant hardships; how He lay in a manger on the hay, with the ox and the ass standing by.’ There Simplicity was honored, Poverty exalted, Humility commended, and of Greccio there was made as it were a new Bethlehem. The night was lit up as the day and was delightful to men and beasts… St. Francis stood before the manger, full of sighs, overcome with tenderness and filled with wondrous joy. The solemnities of Mass were celebrated over the manger, and the priest enjoyed a new consolation. According to St. Bonaventure, a miracle also occurred on that night and someone noticed St. Francis holding the Christ Child. A certain valiant and veracious soldier… affirmed that he beheld an Infant marvelously beautiful, sleeping in the manger, whom the blessed Father Francis embraced with both his arms as if he would awake Him from sleep. The idea caught on quickly and in 1291 the first Franciscan pope (Nicholas IV) commissioned statues to create the first permanent Nativity scene in the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major. Nativity scenes in all shapes and sizes have been created throughout the world and they are one of the most popular Christmas traditions.”
    Natività di San Francesco con la Sac..useo
  • "In the late afternoon the sun penetrates through ancient abandoned buildings along the Santa Fosca Canal in Venice"...<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 in the sacristy. 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, 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.
    Nel tardo pomeriggio il sole penetra..ezia
  • “Monument of Madonna embracing the Cross in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome”…<br />
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The first major stop on my first visit to Rome was The Patriarchal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, which reigns as an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman churches. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value and represent the Church's role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome. For nearly sixteen centuries, Saint Mary Major has held its position as a Marian shrine par excellence and has been a magnet for pilgrims from all over the world who have come to the Eternal City to experience the beauty, grandeur, and holiness of the Basilica. I found Saint Mary in a spectacular monument to Cardinal Agostino Favoriti, 1685, by Filippo Carcani. The famous 17th-century cardinal is shown seated at a desk behind large allegorical figures of Fortitude (with the lion) and Saint Mary representing religion. Of the very large monument, Mother Mary stood out to me, as one cannot help feeling blessed by her compassionate presence, and the luminescent glow of light gently descending upon her face, revealing her abiding love for her precious son. Pope Benedict XVI, speaking about Pope John Paul II of suffering and his love of the Holy Mother; “in that last Easter Sunday of his life, the Holy Father, marked by suffering, came once more to the window of the Apostolic Palace and one last time gave his blessing Urbi et Orbi (‘to the city and the world’). “We can be sure that our beloved pope is standing today at the window of the Father’s house, that sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
    Monumento di Madonna abbracciando La..Roma
  • “Our Lady of Sorrows Radiant Blue - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<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."
    Madonna Addolorata Radiante Azzurre ..etta
  • "Saint Helena holding the cross - Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome"...<br />
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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
  • “Orvieto ancient Etruscan walls and rain soaked hardscape overlook the local vineyards - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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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 14th Century Duomo was constructed to provide a home for the “Corporal of Bolsena”, a miracle that occurred in 1263 in the nearby town of Bolsena. A traveling priest who had doubts about the truth of transubstantiation found that his Host was bleeding so much that it stained the altar cloth. The cloth is now stored in the “Chapel of the Corporal” inside the cathedral. It’s amazing to turn the corner only to view, stop, and stare as the majestic Cathedral slowly rises to touch the heavens above.
    Orvieto antica mura etrusche e piogg..etta
  • “The Raven of Venice by Pietro Piccione - Painting and Verse by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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I sit and I stare, surrounded by l'acqua everywhere, waiting patiently for my bountiful, yet fair share. I own this place, every space, dark ambiguous feathers grant me this grace. It may be just supposition, the Father above has chosen my instinctive position. My most serene Venice, ancient and grey, bustling with humans most every day. No need to scuttle, my multi-colored brethren gather scraps with the repetitive climax of a Venetian Play. Steely eyes, a distant glare, diligent Pigeons begging, but I sit and I stare. Humans throw the foolish gull food, amused by the feathery brood. The shadow veil, a mysterious epicurean tale. I, no scurry or covet, I sit and I stare. Venezia, the island city, tourist dream in prose and verse of past glories masquerading, yet perverse. Surrounded by the luminous spectacle; ornate marble and frescoed palace, my world of bell towers, domes, azure waters under the Adriatic air, I sit and I stare. For I am the king of this basin, the Raven, mysterious violet ebony, no one questions my grace in. I am the romance and protector of my tiny canal, yet high enough above, my reflection dances in the water below, offering a Bellissimo prayer. I sit and I stare. The time is near, as I transport to bygone years, for I am the romantic Doge of this tiny island abode. I take what I desire, as the sunlight sets ablaze the waters with sparkling fire. Alas, for I am only the illusory purple Pigeon baptized Peter, yet I will forever dream as I sit and I stare.
    Il Corvo di Venezia di Pietro Piccio..etta
  • “Night view through the arch of the Papal Basilica of San Francesco”…<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 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 midnight 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.
    Vista notturna attraverso l'arco di ..esco
  • “Saint Catherine extends the Cross and the Olive Branch as Patron of Italy in front of her Sanctuary-home in Siena - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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The monumental statue of St. Catherine of Siena, created by Bruno Buracchini and donated to the Diocese of Siena, 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 3rd 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 century.
    Santa Caterina si estende la Croce e..etta
  • “St Mark rises magnificently with the strength of a lion on top of St Mark's Basilica in Venice - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… <br />
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The most famous of the many churches of Venice, and the world, and a fine example of Byzantine architecture. Located just off the Grand Canal, the majestic Basilica overlooks the Piazza San Marco and adjoins the Doge's Palace. St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica are the central tourist focal points and the most populous in Venice. The relics of the Biblical Gospel author, Saint Mark, have resided in the Basilica since 828 AD. There are more than 85,000 square feet of luminous mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica. The mosaics were accomplished over 8 centuries, mostly in gold, and the result is astonishing. It's especially resplendent just before sunset when the sun's dying rays set the golden mosaics ablaze. As I headed for the exit, I noticed a very steep staircase and followed it upward. I was met at the top by a security guard charging to see the small Museum and visit the rooftop of the Basilica. In the museum, I did take a few veiled photos of the very famous original four horses dating from Classical Antiquity which are duplicated in front of the Basilica. They are very much worth viewing, and if you stare for a moment…they come to life. Meandering outside on the rooftop, I became mesmerized by the multitude of historic artwork residing on high. This image is a close-up captured of St Mark standing majestically atop his Basilica. Embedded within the orange sunset skies behind the Statue of San Marco, a Lion appeared briefly in my camera lens. Mysteriously and mystically, he only appeared again as I began to paint this image. Venetian tradition states that when Mark was traveling through Europe, he arrived at a lagoon in Venice, whereby an angel appeared to him and said, "Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus. Hic requiescet corpus tuum." ("Peace be with thee, O Mark, my evangelist. Here thy body will rest.")
    San Marco sorge magnificamente con l..etta
  • “Christus Patiens above the High Altar of the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Chiara d'Assisi”…<br />
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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 />
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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
  • “The Supreme Sacrifice remembered during Lent – Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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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
  • “The Blessed Virgin Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… <br />
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Upon completion of a new and original painting of the teenage Virgin Mary, I sit and stare into her eyes trying to imagine the complexity of the overwhelming magnitude of the future Mother of Christ. Her sincere and loving gaze, illuminating with the glow of the Holy Spirit within her very soul emanates outwardly representing all Mothers. I envision my wonderful Mother as I struggled to bring this two-dimensional representation to life. Again, my humble skills, yet meticulous manner combined to exhaust one complete month of trial and error. Irrevocably, a courageous young teenage Jewish girl is blessed beyond comprehension… “The Virgin Mother is constantly present on this journey of faith of the People of God towards the light. This is shown especially by the canticle of the "Magnificat," which, having welled up from the depths of Mary's faith at the Visitation, ceaselessly re-echoes in the heart of the Church down the centuries. This is proved by its daily recitation in the liturgy of Vespers and at many other moments of both personal and communal devotion.” (Saint John Paul II) "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on his servant in her lowliness. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name: and his mercy is from age to age on those who fear him. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud-hearted, he has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever." (Lk.1:46-55)
    La Beata Vergine Maria - Dipinto di ..etta
  • “Crucifixion beyond the entrance to the Abbey of Santa Giustina – Padua”…<br />
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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
  • “Flowers adorn arch bridge in Cortona”… <br />
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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
  • “Father Peek raises the Chalice for Adoration – The New Church of San Francesco in Assisi”… <br />
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The reflection of Father Peek in “The Elevation of the Host and Chalice” is after genuflection in adoration. The priest raises them both so that the Faithful may also adore Jesus Christ, true God, and true Man present on the altar. Look at the sacred Body and Blood 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." A more ancient elevation of Host and Chalice occurs in the Mass of the Roman Rite while the priest speaks the concluding doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer: Per ipsum et cum ipso et in ipso est tibi Deo Patri omnipotenti in unitate Spiritus Sancti omnis honor et gloria per omnia saecula saeculorum (Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honour is yours, forever and ever). The presence in the Roman Rite of this elevation can be traced back at least to the ninth century. The Chiesa Nuova is a church in Assisi, Italy, built in 1615 on the site of the presumed birthplace of St. Francis, the house of Pietro di Bernardone. It was then called Chiesa Nuova because it was the last church to be built in Assisi at that time. This Church appears as a small basilica, and on our first morning in Assisi of my Pilgrimage of 2019, Father Peek offered a venerable Mass. Two of our Pilgrimage couples renewed their vows during the celebration and an abundance of blessings were bestowed upon the faithful. The specular window light from high above the altar once again illuminates the Body and Blood of Christ as the Holy Spirit descends.
    Padre Peek solleva il Calice per L'a..sisi
  • “The Celestial Boat of Jesus rests in Marina Grande Sorrento”…<br />
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This sunset image of the lone antique fishing boat is the most iconic of the seaside views from Sorrento. The lone boat represents many perceptions and creative thoughts and portrays imagery of stillness and beauty among the restless seas. It reminds me of Saint Matthew’s account of Jesus’ calming of the winds and the seas: "As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came upon the sea so that the boat was being swamped by waves, but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?" (Matt. 8:23- 27)
    La Barca Celeste di Gesù riposa in M..ento
  • “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
  • “Organic Venice - Perpetual Evolution of Splendor, Harmony, and Color” …<br />
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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 dynamic 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 the first glimpse of sunlight. The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became a passion, the creaky became sweet sounds, and the desperate island illuminated with life, color, and hope. This image was captured along a small canal in front of The Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (St. Mary of the Friars), known locally as Frari, one of the great churches of Venice. Ironically, before my Italian journey, I read Rick Steve’s travel book on Italy and watched all of his shows made in Italy. It seemed every American tourist had his book in their hands following closely every piece of advice he offered. As I pondered my impending images, I looked up and there was Rick about 20 feet in front of me. Sometimes one has moments of brilliance, and mine was to yell…"Hey, Rick” and snap a photo when he looked. He smiled as I walked up and shook his hand, and dumbfoundedly I shared how much he contributed to my tour. He was very gracious as we spoke for about five minutes and then he continued producing his next PBS show on the Venice Lagoon including his favorite church, The Frari. As I walked away shocked by my accidental meeting, the clouds parted and the light transformed a perfect ambiance along this tiny, yet majestic canal.
    Venezia organica - evoluzione perpet..lore
  • “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
  • “Father Peek Celebrates the Lamb's Supper - Amalfi Cathedral”…<br />
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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
  • "Father Peek elevates the Host for Adoration - The Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia"...<br />
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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
  • "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
  • “Santa Chiara d'Assisi In front of San Damiano ... Painting by Dino Carbetta” …<br />
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Clare of Assisi was an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Clares, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition. When she was 18, she heard St. Francis preaching in the town square during Lent and she knew at once that God wanted her to consecrate herself to Him. The next evening, Clare left her house at night, ran to meet St. Francis and his companions at the church, and shared her desire to follow him in his way of life. He received her, gave her his tunic, cut off her golden locks, and sent her to a Benedictine convent because she could not stay with the brothers. Her younger sister Agnes soon joined her and the two had to resist much pressure from their family to return home. Contemporary accounts glow with admiration of Clare's life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the sick and washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came from prayer, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence was such that popes, cardinals, and bishops often came to consult her—Clare herself never left the walls of San Damiano. A well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. Clare had the Blessed Sacrament placed on the walls of the convent when it faced an attack by invading Saracens. “Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord, protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters, she said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.” The Saracens fled. Claire died in absolute tranquility, saying to one of the brothers at her side "Dear brother, ever since through His servant Francis I have known the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I have never in my whole life found any pain or sickness that could trouble me."
    Santa Chiara d'Assisi Davanti a San ..etta
  • “A Million Faces of Jesus by Dino Carbetta – Resplendent”…<br />
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“God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives, he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.” 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. Battle against Evil: Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on an evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  EPHESIANS, 6:10-17
    Un Milione di volti di Gesù di Dino ..ente
  • “The Venetian evening sun illuminates the winding waterway - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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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 dynamic 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 the first glimpse of sunlight. The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became a 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. Canal sunsets became the norm of my three glorious days in Venice.
    Il sole della sera Veneziano illumin..etta
  • “Iridescent Venetian Sunset”…<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 dynamic 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 the first glimpse of sunlight. The organic lagoon began to blossom as if the decay became antique, the gloom became a 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. Canal sunsets became the norm of my three glorious days in Venice.
    Iridescente Veneziano Tramonto
  • “Leaves frame Positano in the late afternoon sun”…<br />
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After an exhilarating drive along the high cliffs of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento down to Positano, I found myself in sensory overload with its beauty and photogenic appeal. Circling around the entire village and its cliffside three times on Positano’s only street, which was a single lane winding down from the top and up and over to where I began, I finally found the parking garage by the hotel, about 2/3rds up the facing village in this image. The climb down the winding road and steep staircases made for quite a workout in the hot-late May sun. Reaching the beach and marina, I forgot about my exhaustion and could not capture enough of Positano’s plush beauty; however, the large number of tourists and the bright sun did not allow for ideal conditions. As I made my way along the beach and shoreline, rays from the late afternoon sunlight reflecting off the azure blue Mediterranean Sea, was intense and blinding but illuminated the famous church with contrasting rumination. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a prominent aspect of Positano’s cultural, religious, and architectural landscape. Strategically located in the center of town tucked between the descending mountains dripping with multicolored dwellings, and the transcendent blue sea, the church’s brilliant majolica tiled cupola is one of the town’s iconic symbols. The ancient church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1159. Santa Maria keeps a blessed and watchful eye over Positano and welcomes all to this iconic beautiful seaside village.
    Foglie incorniciano Positano nel sol..ggio
  • “Michael the Archangel of Castel Sant'Angelo Rome - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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In 1224, two years before his death, Saint Francis of Assisi felt drawn to Mount La Verna and set out with a few of his closest brothers to spend a period of prayer and fasting on the mountain. Saint Bonaventure records in his biography; “when according to unto his won't he began to keep a Lent there, fasting, in honor of St. Michael Archangel, he was filled unto overflowing, and as never before, with the sweetness of heavenly contemplation.” Saint Francis to his brothers; “My sons, we are drawing nigh to our forty days’ fast of St. Michael the Archangel; and I firmly believe that it is the will of God that we keep this fast in the mountain of Alvernia, the which by Divine dispensation hath been made ready for us, to the end that we may, through penance, merit from Christ the consolation of consecrating that blessed mountain to the honor and glory of God and His glorious Mother, the Virgin Mary, and of the holy angels.” It was during this fast that St. Francis received the stigmata, the holy wounds of Jesus Christ. Francis’ experience reminds us of the importance of fasting and spending time alone with God. These practices shouldn’t be reserved for the 40 days of Lent before Easter, but are applicable throughout the calendar year. We are always invited to draw closer to God, and St. Michael the Archangel is a powerful intercessor who stands ready to defeat our spiritual enemies so that we can embrace the freedom that is found in Jesus Christ.
    Michele Arcangelo di Castel Sant'Ang..etta
  • “Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament - Adoration of the Shepherds Duomo di Siena”... <br />
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Located at the corner between the right transept and the presbytery, in a position corresponding to the Chapel of Sant'Ansano, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament occupies this span. The altarpiece is a canvas depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds by Alessandro Casolani beginning in 1594. The Duomo in Siena lies in a piazza above the Piazza del Campo, a great Gothic building filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio. Originally completed in 1263, the 14th century inspired an ambitious attempt to transform the cathedral into the largest temple in all of Christendom, which would dwarf even St. Peter's in Rome. The already-large Duomo would form just the transept of this huge cathedral. In 1348, the Black Death swept through the city and killed 4/5 of Siena's population. The giant cathedral was never completed, and the half-finished walls of the New Cathedral survive as a monument to Siena's ambition and one-time wealth. The magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena houses a series of some of the most important monuments of the European artistic panorama. If I was asked to choose only one place that represented the great history of art, architecture, culture, and faith in all of Italy…one would be hard-pressed to find a more complete portfolio than the Cathedral of Siena. I found myself awe-inspired just walking up and facing the elegant façade, striped walls and pillars, and massive size. Upon entering the nave, one is overwhelmed with a plethora of artistic expression and great beauty placed in every available space. From its dome, stained glass, frescos, sculptures, and to what is said to be the most magnificent marble floor in history…it is worth every minute.
    Cappella del Santissimo Sacramento -..iena
  • “Church of Santa Sofia – Anacapri”… <br />
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It is located in the Piazza of Anacapri, the mountaintop above the island of Capri. It dates to 1595 when it replaced Chiesa di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli as the parish church. One can view the ancient church contrasting with the more modern white façade. The sacristy and oratorio were originally in the Chiesa di San Carlo. Architectural features include two bell towers and a baroque facade. The church was enlarged with two chapels and the nave was extended towards the square. The plan of the church is in the form of a Latin cross with a single nave, lateral chapels, and a dome above the intersection of the nave and the transept. The belfry can be seen to the left of the facade with two clocks and three bells dedicated to Santa Sofia, Santa Maroa, and Santa Elia. The highlight of my visit was the small and very crowded bus ride along the cliff's edge 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, as well as a concentration of Mediterranean colors, scents, and sounds. Town life here has remained authentic despite the island's tourism: tucked between the houses there are tiny, humble vegetable gardens surrounded by lush tropical plants. A walk around the center of Anacapri will take you past tiny Neapolitan tailor shops, artisan shoemakers, and Enoteca ...all with the scent of the town's lemon groves that permeates the air. How the ancients managed to arrive at this secluded island and traverse their way to settlements atop is mind-boggling. However, contemplating the mysteries of civilization, one gets lost in the plush ambiance. The pleasant aroma and commanding sea view demand that you stay for just a little while longer!
    Chiesa di Santa Sofia - Anacapri
  • “The mystical rainbow of God above the Cathedral of San Rufino Assisi”…<br />
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This image is perhaps one of the most blessed and miraculous of my Italian journey. 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 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, I was mesmerized at the appearance of this first of eventually two rainbows shining down behind the Duomo of Saint Rufino. I was able to capture a few horizontal and vertical images of the rainbows just as the sun began its descent below the horizon. My Italian journey was truly blessed by the hand of God.
    Il mistico arcobaleno di Dio sopra l..sisi
  • "Twilight over Marina Grande Sorrento"...<br />
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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!
    Crepuscolo su Marina Grande Sorrento
  • “Angel with the Cross - Ponte Sant'Angelo - Celebration - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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“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 – Final Verse.”<br />
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..etta
  • “The Church of Santa Maddalena is surrounded by Roe Deer, both enjoying the sunset over the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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The Church of St. Magdalene resides in a small village located in the Dolomites of Italy. Both, the village and the church, are symbols of the Val di Funes. This tiny picturesque village of just 377 people is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Northern Italy. Historically, the church was built where the miraculous image of Santa Maddalena was washed up by the Fopal River. Saint Mary Magdalene church is mentioned beginning in 1394. The current form of the nave with a sloping base and a slightly grooved roof cornice, with pear and round bar on the pointed arch portal with a red chalk inscription, was complete in 1492. The mural exterior is the Crucifix on the gable in a niche with a donkey's back, weather-beaten, early XVI century. St. Christopher is lively and virtuoso in movement with a fluttering, wrinkled robe. Interiorly, the keystones on the vault, are bust portraits of Mary with the Christ Child and saints. The valley, as you can see, Val di Funes is stunningly beautiful. Summer, it’s very green and dotted with colorful flowers. Winter, it’s covered with snow, and the ragged Dolomite peaks, pierce the sky toward the heavens. Mary Magdalene is the first among the women following Jesus to proclaim Him as having overcome death. She is the first to announce the joyful message of Easter. But she also proved she was among those who loved Him most when she stood at the foot of the Cross on Mount Calvary together with Mary, His Mother, and the disciple, St. John. She did not deny him or run away in fear as the other disciples did, but remained close to Him every moment, up to and including the tomb. The Italian Roe Deer rejoice in the beauty of God’s creation.
    La Chiesa di Santa Maddalena e’ circ..etta
  • “The Light of The Lamb - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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Throughout history, we have looked to the sun and moon to light the day and the night. Whether illuminating our path or providing the life-giving radiance for fruitful crops and the nutrients our bodies need, the sun and moon are part of God’s marvelous provision of light. Genesis tells us that God gave “God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night, and the stars.” (Gen. 1:16). But someday God will provide a different kind of illumination. Of the eternal heavenly city, John writes: “the city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.” (Rev. 21:23). The word translated “light” here is more accurately rendered as “lamp.” Christ in His glorified state will be the spiritual lamp that lights up that joyous new world. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29). He is also the source of spiritual illumination that makes those who follow Him “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14). The city did not need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb (Rev. 21:23). Prayerfully, we will all live in the “Light of the Lamb.”
    La luce dell'agnello - Dipinto di Di..etta
  • "Glory to God in the Highest and Peace on Earth to Those On Whom His Favor Rests – Painting by Dino Carbetta”...<br />
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The Birth of Jesus: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” [Luke 2:1-14]
    Gloria a Dio nell'Altissimo e Pace i..etta
  • “Hail favored one! The Lord is with you.”- Painting by Dino Carbetta<br />
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“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (Lk 1:26-38) An Extraordinary Event: the child was to be conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be called the Son of God. Mary makes an astonishing response: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary had remarkable faith! This was the moment that our God became flesh and was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Thus, the realization and magnificence of divine grace, the blessing of God’s freely given love.
    “Hail favored one! The Lord is with ..etta
  • "Riello Canal of Santa Sofia - Ca 'D'Oro, Venice"...<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 in the sacristy. 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 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, and a stop for lunch. 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!
    Canale Riello de Santa Sofia - Ca 'D..ezia
  • "Waiting along the canal near the parish of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari Venice"...<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. 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
  • "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 is by Giuseppe Nogari in the 18th century. Joseph of Cupertino is most famous for levitating at prayer. He painted mainly half-body portraits, either real or of historical and religious figures. They 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
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