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  • “Ave Maria - Pointillism Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Ave Maria, gratia plena,<br />
Maria, gratia plena,<br />
Maria, gratia plena,<br />
Ave, Ave, Dominus,<br />
Dominus tecum.<br />
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus,<br />
Et benedictus fructus ventris (tui),<br />
Ventris tui, Jesus.<br />
Ave Maria!<br />
<br />
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,<br />
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,<br />
Ora, ora pro nobis;<br />
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus,<br />
Nunc et in hora mortis,<br />
In hora mortis nostrae.<br />
In hora, hora mortis nostrae,<br />
In hora mortis nostrae.<br />
Ave Maria! <br />
Hail Mary, full of grace,<br />
Mary, full of grace,<br />
Mary, full of grace,<br />
Hail, Hail, the Lord<br />
The Lord is with thee.<br />
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed,<br />
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb,<br />
Thy womb, Jesus.<br />
Hail Mary!<br />
<br />
Holy Mary, Mother of God,<br />
Pray for us sinners,<br />
Pray, pray for us;<br />
Pray for us sinners,<br />
Now, and at the hour of our death,<br />
The hour of our death.<br />
The hour, the hour of our death,<br />
The hour of our death.<br />
Hail Mary! <br />
Luciano Pavarotti - Ave Maria (Schubert) -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpYGgtrMTYs
    Ave Maria - Puntinismo Pittura di Di..etta
  • “Church of Santa Sofia – Anacapri”… <br />
<br />
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
  • “Winter through the illuminated medieval gates scene of the Church of the Assumption of Mary on Lake Bled, Slovenia - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
The picturesque and very famous Island of Lake Bled is only 180 miles from Venice and 93 miles from Trieste, Italy by car. According to written sources, the first masonry church on the island, a three-nave Romanesque Basilica, was consecrated by the Aquilean patriarch Pellegrino in 1142. In the 15th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic style: a new presbytery, a freestanding bell tower, and the main altar were built. The renovated single-nave church was consecrated in 1465 by the first bishop of Ljubljana. In 1509 it was damaged by an earthquake to such an extent that it required thorough renovation in Baroque style. Only the frescoes in the presbytery and a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, which probably adorned the main altar, were preserved from the previous Gothic church. The present form of the church dates from the 17th century when it was renovated after another earthquake. The main altar with its rich gold-plated carving dates from 1747. On the central altarpiece, the Virgin Mary is shown seated, with the donor of the Bled estate, Henry II, and his wife Kunigunda at her side. The side altars, consecrated to St. Sebastian, St. Magdalena, and St. Anna, were made at the end of the 17th century. The present tower is 177’ high and has three bells. Like the church, the other buildings, the walls, and the monumental staircase (99 stairs) were preserved. The wishing bell…It is said that whoever rings the bell and thereby gives honor to Virgin Mary, has the wish granted. [Psalm 132:8] “Arise, LORD, come to your resting place, you and your mighty ark.”
    Inverno attraverso le porte medieval..etta
  • "Riello Canal of Santa Sofia - Ca 'D'Oro, Venice"...<br />
<br />
The last day of our Pilgrimage was spent in one of the most iconic locations on earth, Venice! Busing to the docks at the Venetian Lagoon from Padua to catch our private boat to the Basilica di San Marco, an exemplary spiritual treasure for a special Mass 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
  • "The sun sets on boats that rest along the Canale di 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. 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 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.
    Il sole tramonta su barche che ripos..etta
  • “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
  • “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 />
<br />
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 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 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
  • "Saint Helena holding the cross - Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome"...<br />
<br />
The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is located in Rome, in the Esquilino quarter, close to the Aurelian Walls and the Castrense Amphitheatre, between the Basilica of St. John Lateran and Porta Maggiore. The Basilica of the Holy Cross is part of the route of the “Seven Churches” that ancient pilgrims used to visit on foot. Several sources, including an inscription in the church, verify that the Sessorian Palace was owned by the empress St. Helen (c.255-330), Constantine's mother. From the end of the 4th century, it was said that St. Helen had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, during which she discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified and many other relics. It was also said that she wished to set up a shrine in Rome for pilgrims who could not travel to Jerusalem. The first room of the chapel has a Roman-era statue of St. Helen holding the cross. Beneath the statue is a floor believed to contain soil from the Holy Land. Under the protective glass covering the soil are many paper prayers from the faithful. Fragments of the cross were circulating in the West by 348 AD. The earliest historical record of the church, dated to 501 AD, refers to it as "Hierusalem basilica Sessoriani palatii." Architecturally, it is notable that the 4th-century Chapel of St. Helen is quite similar in design to a martyrium that was erected by Constantine in Jerusalem to house a fragment of the True Cross. In 1492, a dramatic discovery was made in the course of repairs to a mosaic: a brick inscribed with the words TITULUS CRUCIS (Title of the Cross). Sealed behind the brick was a fragment of an inscription in wood, with the word "Nazarene" written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Title is mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. This was our first stop on our Pilgrimage of 2019 in Italy. A very propitious, historical, and spiritual beginning to a monumental journey in The Eternal City.
    Sant'Elena con in mano la croce - Sa..Roma
  • “Christus Patiens above the High Altar of the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Chiara d'Assisi”…<br />
<br />
Around sunset, the clouds shifted and the descending sun illuminated the Assisi mountaintop as a slight mist of rain mystified the landscape. The ascent was fraught with a multitude of very steep and exhaustive staircases, but the one consolation was the dramatic anticipation of the divine scenery emerging in the distance. As I approached the last two Churches after 7:00 pm; the Basilica of Saint Clare, and the Cathedral of Saint Rufino...I noticed the security guard locking Santa Chiara’s front door. I rushed forward anxiously and begged to just look quickly inside the Vestibule. He only spoke Italian and frustrated with me, said I had one minute inside. Aiming my camera and telephoto lens directly toward the High Altar which seemed a mile away, I clicked one picture as the guard hastily gestured me outside. Ironically, I found that no pictures are allowed in this Basilica. And, on my Pilgrimage of 2019, was frustrated during my tour of the historic and reverent church, still, no pictures were allowed. I always try to respect the rules and venerate every location, however, I did take two very surreptitious images in the Oratorio del Crocifisso (Oratory of the Crucifix), a peaceful chapel that preserves the venerable 12th-century crucifix that spoke to St. Francis at San Damiano. This abrupt photo of the painted crucifix still hangs above the high altar of Santa Chiara and was probably the first painting that was commissioned for the new church. The image was conceived shortly before Saint Clare’s death in 1260 and is attributed to the Maestro di Santa Chiara. The iconography of Christus Patiens (the dying Christ on the Cross) was widely used in early Franciscan churches. In this example, the Virgin and St John the Evangelist flank the Cross, with another figure of the Virgin (praying and flanked by angels) and Christ Pantocrator above.
    Christus Patiens sopra l'Altare Magg..sisi
  • “Santa Teresa d'Avila - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
Teresa of Ávila (born March 1515), also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish noblewoman who felt called to convent life in the Catholic Church. Teresa lived in an age of exploration as well as political, social, and religious upheaval. It was the 16th century, a time of turmoil and reform. She was born before the Protestant Reformation and died almost 20 years after the closing of the Council of Trent. A Carmelite nun, a prominent Spanish mystic, religious reformer, author, theologian of the contemplative life and mental prayer, she earned the rare distinction of being declared a Doctor of the Church, but not until over four centuries after her death. Active during the Catholic Reformation, she reformed the Carmelite Orders of both women and men. The movement she initiated was later joined by the younger Spanish Carmelite friar and mystic John of the Cross. It led eventually to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites. A formal papal decree adopting the split from the old order was issued in 1580. Teresa was a woman “for God,” a woman of prayer, discipline, and compassion. Her heart belonged to God. Her ongoing conversion was an arduous lifelong struggle, involving ongoing purification and suffering. She was misunderstood, misjudged, and opposed in her efforts at reform. Yet she struggled on, courageous and faithful; she struggled with her mediocrity, her illness, her opposition. And in the midst of all this, she clung to God in life and prayer. Her writings on prayer and contemplation are drawn from her experience: powerful, practical, and graceful. She founded many new monasteries, traveled, wrote, fought—always to renew, to reform. In herself, in her prayer, in her life, in her efforts to reform, in all the people she touched, she was a woman for others, a woman who inspired and gave life. Her writings, especially the Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle, have helped generations of believers.
    Santa Teresa d'Avila - Dipinto di Di..etta
  • “Assisi serene afternoon view of the Cathedral of San Rufino and the Basilica of Santa Chiara from Rocco Maggiore above”…<br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick, and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. After dozens of images exhausted, and nourishment for our hunger and thirst, a sad goodbye was extended to our hosts and a touch of paradise. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Assisi sereno pomeriggio vista della..alto
  • “Crucifixion beyond the entrance to the Abbey of Santa Giustina – Padua”…<br />
<br />
Our Pilgrimage finally arrived in Padua and after lunch, we discovered the Abbey of Santa Giustina attached to the Basilica built in the 6th century. It contains the relics of multiple saints (including those of St. Luke the Evangelist). Shaped in the form of a Latin cross, the prodigious Basilica of St. Giustina is one of the most colossal in all of Christianity. The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the Prato della Valle which it overlooks. There are 3 main chapels: the presbytery and 2 chapels for Saints Luke and Matthew that form the transepts and each aisle has six small chapels. The Abbey and the Basilica of St. Anthony were two of my foremost surprises and a must-see on a Pilgrimage to Italy. Unfortunately, pictures were allowed only in St. Giustina, but not in the latter. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed at the imposing wide open space of the Basilica. The high altar seemed an eternity away. It is difficult to give one a perspective of just how spacious and immense many of these basilicas can be, not only in pictures but in words. The colorful geometric marble floor leads one to the main altar, but only adds to the great depth, size, and dimension of the Basilica. A curiously placed Crucifix standing about 6’ tall is located just inside the colossal nave and appears diminutive below the 26 pillars supporting the 8 cupolas. As most basilicas are traditionally dark depending on the sunlight, the Crucifix was almost a complete faint silhouette only lit by the dome windows above the altar. Standing as close as possible with a telephoto perspective, I was able to reverse the impression of size and portray the grandiosity Christ deserves, as well as the original artist. The distant window light bled over the body and illuminated the darkness. The glow of the original beauty has become radiant. Framed by the brilliant distant archways, the Crucifixion becomes transformed.
    Crocifissione oltre l'ingresso dell'..dova
  • “Crucifix beyond the vestibule of the Abbey of Santa Giustina – Padua”… <br />
<br />
Our Pilgrimage finally arrived in Padua and after lunch, we discovered the Abbey of Santa Giustina attached to the Basilica built in the 6th century. It contains the relics of multiple saints (including those of St. Luke the Evangelist). Shaped in the form of a Latin cross, the prodigious Basilica of St. Giustina is one of the most colossal in all of Christianity. The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the Prato della Valle which it overlooks. There are 3 main chapels: the presbytery and 2 chapels for Saints Luke and Matthew that form the transepts and each aisle has six small chapels. The Abbey and the Basilica of St. Anthony were two of my foremost surprises and a must-see on a Pilgrimage to Italy. Unfortunately, pictures were allowed only in St. Giustina, but not in the latter. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed at the imposing wide open space of the Basilica. The high altar seemed an eternity away. It is difficult to give one a perspective of just how spacious and immense many of these basilicas can be, not only in pictures but in words. The colorful geometric marble floor leads one to the main altar, but only adds to the great depth, size, and dimension of the Basilica. A curiously placed Crucifix standing about 6’ tall is located just inside the colossal nave and appears diminutive below the 26 pillars supporting the 8 cupolas. As most basilicas are traditionally dark depending on the sunlight, the Crucifix was almost a complete faint silhouette only lit by the dome windows above the altar. Standing as close as possible with a telephoto perspective, I was able to reverse the impression of size and portray the grandiosity Christ deserves, as well as the original artist. The distant window light bled over the body and illuminated the darkness. The glow of the original beauty has become radiant. Framed by the brilliant distant archways, the Crucifixion becomes transformed.
    Crocifisso al di là di vestibolo del..dova
  • “Three-dimensional artistic impression of the Crucifix in the Abbey of Santa Giustina – Padua”…<br />
<br />
Our Pilgrimage finally arrived in Padua and after lunch, we discovered the Abbey of Santa Giustina attached to the Basilica built in the 6th century. It contains the relics of multiple saints (including those of St. Luke the Evangelist). Shaped in the form of a Latin cross, the prodigious Basilica of St. Giustina is one of the most colossal in all of Christianity. The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the Prato della Valle which it overlooks. There are 3 main chapels: the presbytery and 2 chapels for Saints Luke and Matthew that form the transepts and each aisle has six small chapels. The Abbey and the Basilica of St. Anthony were two of my foremost surprises and a must-see on a Pilgrimage to Italy. Unfortunately, pictures were allowed only in St. Giustina, but not in the latter. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed at the imposing wide open space of the Basilica. The high altar seemed an eternity away. 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. I wanted to create an impression of depth in the crucifix itself transposed against the massive Basilica and distance of the architecture. It took several days and many failures, however, I was finally able to find the three dimensions of Christ I was searching for. The glow of the original beauty has become radiant. Framed by the brilliant distant archways, the Crucifixion becomes transformed.
    Impressione artistica tridimensional..dova
  • "In the late afternoon the sun penetrates through ancient abandoned buildings along the Santa Fosca Canal in 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 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
  • “Santa Chiara d'Assisi In front of San Damiano ... Painting by Dino Carbetta” …<br />
<br />
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
  • La Beata Vergine Maria - Dipinto di Dino Carbetta - Rosa <br />
<br />
“The Blessed Virgin Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta - Rose”… 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… <br />
“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) <br />
"My soul magnifies the Lord, <br />
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, <br />
for he has looked on his servant in her lowliness. <br />
For behold, henceforth all generations <br />
will call me blessed; <br />
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,<br />
and holy is his name: <br />
and his mercy is from age to age <br />
on those who fear him. <br />
He has shown strength with his arm,<br />
he has scattered the proud-hearted,<br />
he has cast down the mighty from their thrones, <br />
and lifted up the lowly; <br />
he has filled the hungry with good things, <br />
sent the rich away empty. <br />
He has helped his servant Israel, <br />
remembering his mercy, <br />
as he spoke to our fathers, <br />
to Abraham and to his posterity forever." (Lk.1:46-55)
    La Beata Vergine Maria - Dipinto di ..Rosa
  • La Beata Vergine Maria - Dipinto di Dino Carbetta – Rose Rosa <br />
<br />
“The Blessed Virgin Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… 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… <br />
“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) <br />
"My soul magnifies the Lord, <br />
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, <br />
for he has looked on his servant in her lowliness. <br />
For behold, henceforth all generations <br />
will call me blessed; <br />
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,<br />
and holy is his name: <br />
and his mercy is from age to age <br />
on those who fear him. <br />
He has shown strength with his arm,<br />
he has scattered the proud-hearted,<br />
he has cast down the mighty from their thrones, <br />
and lifted up the lowly; <br />
he has filled the hungry with good things, <br />
sent the rich away empty. <br />
He has helped his servant Israel, <br />
remembering his mercy, <br />
as he spoke to our fathers, <br />
to Abraham and to his posterity forever." (Lk.1:46-55)
    La Beata Vergine Maria - Dipinto di ..Rosa
  • "Pietà in the church of Santa Sofia - Anacapri"...<br />
<br />
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 cliffs edge to Anacapri. I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside. All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top. Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below, 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 ambience. The pleasant aroma and commanding sea view demand that you stay for just a little while longer!
    Pietà nella Chiesa di Santa Sofia - ..apri
  • "House of Hospitality - Maria Immacolata Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi - Of the Lily"... <br />
<br />
Italy is famous for its display of fresh and beautiful flowers and foliage outside the windows and doors throughout the countryside, and Assisi again was no different with the exception of the perfection of their presentation. I am sure the Chamber of Commerce in Assisi is quite busy maintaining the continuity and beauty of Assisi, but perhaps there is no need as the residents all seem perfectly happy to respect and display all its beauty. The streets, walkways, and general environment were the most immaculate of any town I witnessed in Italy and the most religious of any place on my journey. The town became a mystic and peaceful shrine in the early darkness of night after all the tourists departed, and all the prayers offered that day reflected and echoed off the ancient walls. Even the vending machines contained Rosaries, and its residents strolled about dressed in their religious attire with permanent smiles upon their faces. I am sure there are many remarkable religious destinations in the world but in this photographer’s opinion…Assisi has no spiritual equal on this earth.
    Casa dell'Ospitalità - Maria Immacol..glio
  • “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
  • "The Basilica of Santa Chiara rises behind a grotto illuminated by the evening sun"...
    La basilica di Santa Chiara insorger..sera
  • "Ancient arched facade near Santa Chiara in 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. The ancient archway still standing over 2000 years...gives a peak of the valley below.
    Antica facciata ad arco vicino a San..sisi
  • “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
  • "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
  • “Sweet Maria panoramic views of Lake Trasimeno”…<br />
<br />
Dolce Maria is the Bed and Breakfast I lodged in for four nights in the medieval hill town of Cortona.  One street over from the main square, the ancient historical building from 15th century is the home of the Barboni family.  There is a restaurant on the ground floor where Madre Paola is one of the famous chefs of Cortona, and her friendly husband Franco and son Gianni help run the properties.  Paola’s 80- something year old mother offered to wash my laundry and hung it to dry on the rooftop.  With only six rooms in this steep vertical villa winding about like a castle, it very much felt like a true Tuscan adventure.  Booking Dolce Maria from Roma, I asked for a room with a view; I didn’t notice a view from the 3rd story room, but Paolo instructed me to a tiny door in the corner…with a winding staircase ascending upward about 2-3 more stories to the rooftop and a private terrace view of the valley below.  On my last evening as the sun dipped in the sky and the birds wisped among the clouds, I photographed this image of Lake Trasimeno and the Tuscan countryside through an art-deco like structure on the roof.  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.
    Dolce Maria vista panoramica sul Lag..meno
  • “Peering out of the main entrance of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome”…<br />
<br />
The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is located in Rome, in the Esquilino quarter, close to the Aurelian Walls and the Castrense Amphitheatre, between the Basilica of St. John Lateran and Porta Maggiore. The Basilica of the Holy Cross is part of the route of the “Seven Churches” that ancient pilgrims used to visit on foot. Several sources, including an inscription in the church, verify that the Sessorian Palace was owned by the empress St. Helen (c.255-330), Constantine's mother. From the end of the 4th century, it was said that St. Helen had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, during which she discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified and many other relics. It was also said that she wished to set up a shrine in Rome for pilgrims who could not travel to Jerusalem. The first room of the chapel has a Roman-era statue of St. Helen holding the cross. Beneath the statue is a floor believed to contain soil from the Holy Land. Under the protective glass covering the soil are many paper prayers from the faithful. Fragments of the cross were circulating in the West by 348 AD. The earliest historical record of the church, dated to 501 AD, refers to it as "Hierusalem basilica Sessoriani palatii." Architecturally, it is notable that the 4th-century Chapel of St. Helen is quite similar in design to a martyrium that was erected by Constantine in Jerusalem to house a fragment of the True Cross. In 1492, a dramatic discovery was made in the course of repairs to a mosaic: a brick inscribed with the words TITULUS CRUCIS (Title of the Cross). Sealed behind the brick was a fragment of an inscription in wood, with the word "Nazarene" written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Title is mentioned in all four Gospel accounts. This was our first stop on our Pilgrimage of 2019 in Italy. A very propitious, historical, and spiritual beginning to a monumental journey in The Eternal City.
    Sbirciando fuori dall'ingresso princ..Roma
  • "Santa Chiara in the Cathedral of San Rufino Assisi"...<br />
<br />
Clare was born in 1193 in Assisi of nobility, the oldest child. At 18, Clare escaped from her father’s home one night, was met on the road by friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope, and sacrificed her long tresses to Francis’ scissors. He placed her in a Benedictine convent, which her father and uncles immediately stormed in rage. Clare clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil to show her cropped hair, and remained adamant. Sixteen days later her sister Agnes joined her. Others came. They lived a simple life of great poverty, austerity, and complete seclusion from the world, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. At age 21, Francis obliged Clare under obedience to accept the office of abbess, one she exercised until her death. 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, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered a 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. Francis always remained her great friend and inspiration. Clare was always obedient to his will and to the great ideal of gospel life which he was making real. A well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. Clare had the Blessed Sacrament placed on the walls of the convent when it faced 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.
    Santa Chiara nella Cattedrale di San..sisi
  • "Canale de Santa Fosca - 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 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 de Santa Fosca - Venezia
  • "The Temple of Venus and Rome with the Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana Campanile"...
    Il Tempio di Venere e Roma con la Ba..nile
  • "High altar of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption - Positano"...<br />
 <br />
The history of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is closely linked to the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, which, according to tradition, was built when a Byzantine icon of the Virgin was brought to Positano and venerated thereafter. The Icon belonged to a cargo ship from the East, and offshore of Positano the ship was stopped by a dead calm sea. After unsuccessful attempts to continue sailing, the sailors heard a voice saying “Posa Posa”, meaning, “Put me down, put me down!” (Origin of the name “Positano”). The captain thought this miracle meant that the Virgin wanted to stop there and decided to head for shore. At that point…the ship began to sail again. The sailors disembarked the icon and gave it to the inhabitants of Positano, who chose the Virgin as their patron and built a church in her honor. 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 with the backdrop of the Azzurro Mediterranean Sea, the church’s colorful majolica tiled cupola is one of the town’s iconic symbols. I found this Crucifix inside a small chapel of the ancient church which was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1159. Santa Maria keeps a blessed and watchful eye over Positano and welcomes all to this beautiful seaside village.
    Altare maggiore della Chiesa di Nost..tano
  • “Leaves frame Positano in the late afternoon sun”…<br />
<br />
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
  • "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
  • “Organic Venice - Perpetual Evolution of Splendor, Harmony, and Color” …<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. 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
  • "Father Peek elevates the Host for Adoration - The Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia"...<br />
<br />
For me personally, this image is one of my favorites and most poignant of our 2019 Pilgrimage. Our 4th gentile morning in Roma before leaving for Sorrento, we walked from our hotel to the Bellissimo Santo Spirito for Mass. Located just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica, the church is the center of the Divine Mercy established by St. John Paul II. Each day at 3 p.m. the congregants assemble to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in this reverent sanctuary containing relics of both St. Faustina Kowalska and St. John Paul II. The church is distinguished for its beautiful and pious artistic and aesthetic adornment, yet, also has a long history of bringing mercy to the human spirit and body. In the eighth century, there was a church in this place called Santa Maria in Sassia dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The name of the church comes from “the Saxon school,” where pilgrims from Northern Europe and Saxon nations received their first spiritual and material assistance. In 1198, at the request of Pope Innocent III, the first “Holy Spirit Hospital” in Europe was built adjacent to the church. The chapel on the right side is dedicated to The Divine Mercy and to Saint Faustina where the statue of “The Apostle of The Divine Mercy” resides with her reliquary donated by the Holy Father John Paul II. The reflection of Father Peek in “The Elevation of the Host” is after genuflection in adoration. The priest raises the Host so that the Faithful may also adore Jesus Christ, true God and true Man present on the altar. Look at the sacred Body of Jesus and then say with all your heart (interiorly): "I adore Thee, O Sacred Body of Jesus Christ, Thou art my Lord and my God; I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee above all things."
    Padre Peek Eleva Consacrata l'ostia ..ssia
  • "Guardian Angel Helps to Illuminate the Altar of the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina Rome - Painting by Dino Carbetta"... <br />
<br />
After a spiritual Mass at St. Peters Basilica and an intense tour of the Vatican, lunchtime with my friend and pilgrim, Patrick, proved inspirational. Forgoing the Coliseum, we aimed for Piazza del Popolo. Our eyes were on the famous Caravaggio paintings located in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo. The “Crucifixion of Peter” and the “Conversion of Saint Paul” were found to be elusive on my previous visit. The security guard blocked the doorway and turned off the lights to the small chapel inside the Basilica every time I came near. We found the Basilica under reconstruction, waiting for an opening, then rushed inside to find darkness and disarray everywhere. Finally, finding the dark chapel, our eyes could not focus enough to discover the paintings. Suddenly, the light arose and the Caravaggio’s were an arm’s length away. We expeditiously actuated our cameras and euphorically clicked away. Just as hastily, a mysterious guard clicked off the lights. Waltzing out in an adrenalin rush having stood so close to the priceless paintings… we decided to take on the bustling Roma. We stumbled into a Bellissimo neighborhood called Lucina and settled at a bistro for an aperitivo. The ancient Basilica of St. Lawrence built in 366 AD, was adjacent to our table and required a visit. As I walked in, I was startled by the brilliant sunlight coming through the window directly upon the majestic angel. The vision reminded me of our precious life and how disappointment sometimes leads to great respite and understanding. The Angel was reaching out touching the hand of Christ becoming illuminated. I know the same happened on this very day for a couple of wide-eyed exploring Pilgrims who metaphorically reached out and were blessed by an uncharacteristic joy and an unexpected grace.
    Angelo custode aiuta a illuminare l'..etta
  • “Conversion on the Way to Damascus - Saint Paul by Caravaggio”…<br />
<br />
After a spiritual Mass at St. Peters Basilica and an intense tour of the Vatican, discussions with fellow pilgrim, Patrick, proved inspirational. Our eyes were fixated on the famous Caravaggio paintings located in the acclaimed Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo. The “Crucifixion of Peter” and the “Conversion on the Way to Damascus” were elusive on my previous visit. We found the Basilica under reconstruction, waiting for an opening, then rushed inside to find darkness and disarray everywhere. Finally, finding the dark chapel, our eyes could not focus enough to discover the paintings. Suddenly, the light arose and the Caravaggio’s were an arm’s length away. We expeditiously actuated our cameras and euphorically clicked away. Just as hastily, a mysterious guard clicked off the lights. “On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” [Acts 9:3-5] The scene is lit by a strong light but the three figures are engulfed by almost impenetrable darkness. A few faint rays on the light evoke Jesus' epiphany but these are not the real source of the lighting, and the groom remains seemingly oblivious to the presence of the divine. Caravaggio's style of Tenebrism, where forms in paintings emerge from a dark background with usually one source of stark light, creates dramatic effects with its strong contrasts. This lighting was evoking spiritual drama in the Conversion of Saint Paul. In the present day, the reputation of Caravaggio remains impressive - ranked alongside the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. I am always appreciative upon completion of one of my many artworks. Displaying this elusive image by the great Caravaggio, I am triumphant!
    Conversione sulla via di Damasco - S..ggio
  • “Macuteo Roman Obelisk in the Pantheon - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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Originally one of a pair at the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, the other being the now much shorter Matteiano Obelisk. Moved to the Temple of Isis near Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Found in 1373 near San Macuto. Moved to the front of the Pantheon by Pope Clement XI in 1711 over a fountain by Filippo Barigioni. The Aqua Virgo, one of the eleven aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with drinking water, served the area of the Campus Martius, but had fallen into disrepair and disuse by the late Middle Ages. It was reconstructed under Pope Nicholas V and consecrated in 1453 as the Acqua Vergine. In 1570, Giacomo della Porta was commissioned under Pope Gregory XIII to oversee a major project to extend the distribution of water from the Vergine to eighteen new public fountains. The Obelisk was originally built by one of the most famous Egyptian Pharaohs about 1300 years before Christ, Ramses II. The cross of Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has conquered all evil and fulfilled the desires of every human person expressed through the diversity of religions that have existed throughout history. The ancient obelisk pointed upward toward the sun when built-in Heliopolis, but now it directs the attention of every pilgrim who views this and other Obelisk’s in Rome to the victorious cross of Christ, protecting them and dispersing any evil that approaches. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on Sept. 14 is a reminder for us to place the cross of Christ over everything that we are and do. Christ wants to claim each one of us entirely and invites us to surrender completely to him. The victory of Jesus on the cross informs everything in our lives and allows us to exclaim, “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.”
    Macuteo Obelisco Romana al Pantheon ..etta
  • "Guardian angel helps to illuminate the altar of the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina - Rome"... <br />
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Artistic, meaningful, and profound, this is a personal favorite from my 2019 Pilgrimage to Italy. After a spiritual Mass at St. Peters Basilica and an intense tour of the Vatican, lunchtime with my friend and pilgrim, Patrick, proved inspirational. Forgoing the Coliseum, we aimed for Piazza del Popolo. Our eyes were on the famous Caravaggio paintings located in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo. The “Crucifixion of Peter” and the “Conversion of Saint Paul” were found to be elusive on my previous visit. The security guard blocked the doorway and turned off the lights to the small chapel inside the Basilica every time I came near. We found the Basilica under reconstruction, waiting for an opening, then rushed inside to find darkness and disarray everywhere. Finally, finding the dark chapel, our eyes could not focus enough to discover the paintings. Suddenly, the light arose and the Caravaggio’s were an arm’s length away. We expeditiously actuated our cameras and euphorically clicked away. Just as hastily, a mysterious guard clicked off the lights. Waltzing out in an adrenalin rush having stood so close to the priceless paintings… we decided to take on the bustling Roma. We stumbled into a Bellissimo neighborhood called Lucina and settled at a bistro for an aperitivo. The ancient Basilica of St. Lawrence built in 366 AD, was adjacent to our table and required a visit. As I walked in, I was startled by the brilliant sunlight coming through the window directly upon the majestic angel. The vision reminded me of our precious life and how disappointment sometimes leads to great respite and understanding. The Angel was reaching out touching the hand of Christ becoming illuminated. I know the same happened on this very day for a couple of wide-eyed exploring Pilgrims who metaphorically reached out and were blessed by an uncharacteristic joy and an unexpected grace.
    Angelo custode aiuta a illuminare l'..Roma
  • “Holy Crucifix inside the Cathedral of San Rufino Assisi - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect in the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi. I was struck by the elegant beauty of the “Holy Crucifix” inside the chapel. The apparent artist was Don Doni in 1561. It is carried in the annual procession in Assisi each Good Friday. The face of Christ reveals His suffering, however, it also exudes His beatification and contentment of the fulfillment of Holy Prophesy.
    Santissimo Crocifisso all'interno de..etta
  • “Peaceful evening view of Praiano from the cliffs of Positano – Light Blue”…<br />
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Visiting Positano, one cannot help but notice the diminutive town snuggled in the side of a cliff jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea seven miles south of Positano. The tiny village seemed to glow every evening with the last bit of sunlight raining down as Praiano extended its petals skyward. High above the cliffs, buildings are scattered about with just enough via and Strada to support the population of just over 2000. And, like most places in Italy, there is a church for about every 300 parishioners of its population. The most famous is the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro, and the Convent of San Domenico located in the high Campo valley with breathtaking views. The vista of Praiano facing northward toward Positano brightly displays a prominent gold-colored church with the traditional majolica tile dome named Parrocchia Di San Gennaro, one of the most beautiful churches on the Amalfi Coast. In addition to the maze of little lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pastel-colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection. The town displays the most romantic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast with two beautiful beaches, Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella. The latter beach catches the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps. From my vantage point for this image and many others, it mystically seemed as though the sun never set on the Bellissimo Villaggio molto piccolo of Praiano.
    Serata tranquilla vista di Praiano d..urro
  • St. Nicholas and Children in the Snow - Painting by Dino Carbetta<br />
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Children all over the world know him and love him. In Germany, he’s Kriss Kringle. In France, he’s Pere Noel. British children call him Father Christmas. Of course, you know him as Santa Claus. Nicholas was loved for one reason. He loved. He loved God and God’s people so much that he would do anything for them. The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in modern-day Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas very soon became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his dedication to protecting children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals – murderers, thieves, and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, where he heroically defended the Church against heresy. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas’ life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need – and why he is the inspiration behind Santa Claus. In 1823, a popular poem called “A Visit from St. Nicholas”, which we now know as “The Night Before Christmas,” first described St. Nicholas as bringing toys and sweets to children on Christmas Eve. The legend of Santa Claus was born.
    San Nicola e Bambini nella Neve - Di..etta
  • “Evening Rain Over Positano - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… <br />
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The last day of three in Positano was an up and down day of light, dark, rain, cold, and more light. I began the day with a glorious photo session at sunrise, then took a rainy ferry to Amalfi and was thrilled with the indoor images from the Duomo. The journey back on the ferry was windy and rainy with an extreme cold front coming in. I continued to take pictures during the steady downpour as we approached Positano. The combination of the fog and rain made it seem impossible to capture a good image. But, to my surprise, this very combination created a surreal and mystical view of the colorful seaside village. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a prominent aspect of Positano’s cultural, religious, and architectural landscape, and is still pronounced in the rain. The ancient church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1159. I was taken aback at the thought of cold weather in the southernmost seaside town of my Italian journey in late May. However, the waiter who I met the first evening while photographing the sunset, informed me that most of the residents close their shops, restaurants, and hotels during the winter months because of the cold and lack of tourists. Not having long pants or a heavy coat, dinner at the terrace restaurant of the hotel was frigid, but they had a propane heater and blanket for each diner. However, with all wet and cold comes the light, and just as the evening came to a close….the rain stopped and the sun appeared again…just in time for a perfect sunset. Occasionally, one gets lucky and just happens to stay at the perfect location. And, Positano performed remarkably well once again and took the award for the most photogenic village in Italy. The weather conditions created a Bellisimo photograph, the final painting just slightly enhanced its mystic beauty
    Pioggia serale su Positano - Dipinto..etta
  • Immaculate, Queen and Mother of the Church - Painting by Dino Carbetta<br />
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“Who are you, O Immaculate Conception?” asks St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe. The Knight of the Immaculata goes on: “Not God, for God has no beginning. Not Adam, made from the dust of the earth. Not Eve, drawn from Adam’s body. Nor is she the Incarnate Word who already existed from all eternity and who was conceived, but is not really a “conception.” Prior to their conception, the children of Eve do not exist, hence they can more properly be called “conceptions;” and yet you, O Mary, differ from them too, because they are conceptions contaminated by original sin, whereas you are the one and only Immaculate Conception. In the union of the Holy Spirit with her, not only does love bind these two beings, but the first of them [the Holy Spirit] is all the love of the Most Holy Trinity, while the second [the Blessed Virgin Mary] is all the love of creation, and thus in that union heaven is joined to earth, the whole heaven with the whole earth, the whole of Uncreated Love with the whole of created love: this is the vertex of love.” Virgin Mary proclaimed to St. Bernadette Soubirous: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” In the words of St. Maximilian, the Blessed Virgin is the Created Immaculate Conception, as the Holy Spirit is the Uncreated Immaculate Conception. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, Mary is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit. St. Maximilian Kolbe, a true son of St. Francis, explains: “What kind of union is this? It is above all interior; it is the union of her very being with the being of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in her, lives in her, from the first instant of her existence, and he will do so always, throughout eternity… This uncreated Immaculate Conception conceives divine life immaculately in the soul of Mary, his Immaculate Conception. The virginal womb of her body, too, is reserved for him who conceives there in time—the divine life of the God-Man.”
    Immacolata, Regina e Madre della Chi..etta
  • "The evening sun radiates over the hilltop of Cortona"... <br />
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The ancient church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio is resting on the hillside, presiding in a welcoming posture to all those strong enough to brave Cortona’s steep inclines. The Church was constructed between the years of 1485 and 1513. It is the architectural work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini who designed it after having been contacted by his friend and great artist Luca Signorelli. The Renaissance-style church built on a Latin cross plan with an elegant dome soars into the olive trees on the hillside above. It was the church of the guild of the shoemakers, who used their vats of lime for tanning leather, protected by an image of the Madonna painted by Bernardo Covatti, which is now displayed on the main altar of the church. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970. If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the Bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Il sera sole si irradia sopra la col..tona
  • “The morning fog disappears over the Sacred Convent and the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi”…<br />
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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
  • “Pastel Sunset of the Venetian Canal”…<br />
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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
  • “Monument to St. Francis of Assisi in Rome - Snow - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
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In 1209 Saint Francis composed a simple rule for his friars, the "Primitive Rule," which came from verses in the Bible. The rule was "To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” This large monument of Italy’s Patron Saint (St. Francis of Assisi) is visually recognizable between the Basilicas of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme where we began our pilgrimage and San Giovanni in Laterano where we later enjoyed Mass. It was inaugurated in 1927 to commemorate the seventh centenary of his death. The statue portrays the visit of St Francis to Rome, leading his first eleven followers to seek permission from Pope Innocent III to found a new religious Order. A number of the Pope's counselors considered the mode of life proposed by Francis as unsafe and impractical. However, the Pope dreamt he saw Francis holding up the Basilica of St. John Lateran (the cathedral of Rome, thus the 'home church' of all Christendom) and decided to endorse Francis' Order. This occurred, according to tradition, on April 16, 1210, and constituted the official founding of the Franciscan Order. The bronze monument was sculpted by artist Giuseppe Tonnini. An inscription is taken from the eleventh canto, of Paradise of the Divine Comedy, can be seen at the base, in which Dante makes references to Saint Francis: “Between Topino's stream and that which flows down from the hill the blessed Ubaldo chose, from a high peak there hangs a fertile slope; from there Perugia feels both heat and cold at Porta Sole, while behind it sorrow Nocera and Gualdo under their hard yoke. From this hillside, where it abates its rise, a sun was born into the world, much like this sun when it is climbing from the Ganges. Therefore let him who names this site not say, Assisi, which would be to say too little, but Orient, if he would name it rightly.”
    Monumento a San Francesco d'assisi a..etta
  • “St. Peter's Basilica - Madonna of the Column, Dome”…<br />
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Our Lady of the Column is a Byzantine Madonna and Child that was painted on a column of Porta Santa marble in the original Basilica of St. Peter (Constantine). There is no detailed information on the original painting available, but from the style, it appears to be 11th-12th century. When the new Basilica was built in the 16th century, the column and painting were preserved; and in 1581 it was placed in a marble frame created by Giacomo della Porta, who designed an altar of exquisite marble with alabaster columns. After the Second Vatican Council, Paul VI honored it with the title of "Mater Ecclesiae". In 1981 John Paul II had a mosaic reproduction of it set on the external wall of the palazzo facing St. Peter's Square, where it can also be seen illuminated at night. The chapel is covered by one of the basilica's minor cupolas which let in light that enhances the colors of the altar. On the vault of the dome are portraits of the Litany of Loreto in the spandrels: St. Bonaventure, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Cyril of Alexandra, St. John Damascene. Inside the lunettes are the portraits of The Virgin Mother and Child, the Dream of St. Joseph, and the Kings, David and Solomon. This image is one of the multitudes of beautiful images in and around Saint Peter’s Basilica, the most resplendent church in the world.
    Basilica di San Pietro - Madonna del..pola
  • “Ancient Roman garden replica of Hercules from Pompey”…<br />
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This statue among ancient ruins is probably a 15th or 16th century stone replica I accidently stumbled upon in a Roman garden of the very famous bronze statue of Heracles with club, lion skin and golden apples. The original statue was found neatly buried under tiles with the inscription “FCS” (“fulgor conditum summanium”), indicating that it was struck by lightning then buried on the spot. The priceless statue is Gilt bronze Roman artwork of the 2nd century AD, and located in the Vatican museum.  This image is probably the most unusual of my Italian journey and every bit an accidental surprise.  Upon leaving the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, I decided to walk just over a mile to the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.  The street Via Merulana was lined with attractive 5-6 story apartment homes.  Not sure if I was heading in the right direction, I walked into a bottom floor parking garage seeking help, and found an elderly Italian woman sitting in a garden opposite the street. As I walked through the garage to the other side, shockingly I noticed the garden had ancient ruins around the edges with replicas of famous statues as center pieces.  It was as if I’d been transported back to ancient times, and the juxtaposition of the 100 year old newer building seemed aberrant, yet I remembered I was in the Eternal City where civilizations were stacked atop each other for almost 3000 years.  The elderly Italian woman assured me I was heading in the right direction and allowed me a few minutes to photograph the ancient ruins.  She smiled and waved as I left and exclaimed, “Buon Viaggio!” as I walked away.  Her wish for me was “Have a nice trip!” in Italian.
    Antico giardino romano replica di Er..mpeo
  • "Crucified Christ - Monumental Church of San Michele Arcangelo, Anacapri"...<br />
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Located in the Piazza of Anacapri, the mountaintop above the island of Capri. It dates to 1595 when it replaced Chiesa di Santa Maria 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 cliffs edge to Anacapri. I was standing closest to the door on the right side of the bus during the assent up the mountainside. All I could see was the rocky shore below and with every leaning left turn, prayed desperately I would make it to the top. Anacapri is a historic mountaintop town with commanding views of Capri and the sea below, 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 ambience. The pleasant aroma and commanding sea view demand that you stay for just a little while longer!
    Cristo Crocifisso - Chiesa Monumenta..apri
  • "High Privileged Altar - Church of Our Lady of the Assumption Positano"...<br />
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The history of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is closely linked to the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, which, according to tradition, was built when a Byzantine icon of the Virgin was brought to Positano and venerated thereafter. The Icon belonged to a cargo ship from the East, and offshore of Positano the ship was stopped by a dead calm sea. After unsuccessful attempts to continue sailing, the sailors heard a voice saying “Posa Posa”, meaning, “Put me down, put me down!” (Origin of the name “Positano”). The captain thought this miracle meant that the Virgin wanted to stop there and decided to head for shore. At that point…the ship began to sail again. The sailors disembarked the icon and gave it to the inhabitants of Positano, who chose the Virgin as their patron and built a church in her honor. 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 with the backdrop of the azzurro Mediterranean Sea, the church’s colorful majolica tiled cupola is one of the town’s iconic symbols. I found this Crucifix inside a small chapel of the ancient church which was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1159. Santa Maria keeps a blessed and watchful eye over Positano and welcomes all to this beautiful seaside village.
    Altare Alto Privilegiato - Chiesa di..tano
  • "Privileged Altar - The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption Positano"...<br />
<br />
The history of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is closely linked to the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, which, according to tradition, was built when a Byzantine icon of the Virgin was brought to Positano and venerated thereafter. The Icon belonged to a cargo ship from the East, and offshore of Positano the ship was stopped by a dead calm sea. After unsuccessful attempts to continue sailing, the sailors heard a voice saying “Posa Posa”, meaning, “Put me down, put me down!” (Origin of the name “Positano”). The captain thought this miracle meant that the Virgin wanted to stop there and decided to head for shore. At that point…the ship began to sail again. The sailors disembarked the icon and gave it to the inhabitants of Positano, who chose the Virgin as their patron and built a church in her honor. 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 with the backdrop of the azzurro Mediterranean Sea, the church’s colorful majolica tiled cupola is one of the town’s iconic symbols. I found this Crucifix inside a small chapel of the ancient church which was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1159. Santa Maria keeps a blessed and watchful eye over Positano and welcomes all to this beautiful seaside village.
    Altare Privilegiato - Il Chiesa di N..tano
  • "Privileged Altar - Church of Our Lady of the Assumption Positano"... <br />
<br />
The history of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is closely linked to the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, which, according to tradition, was built when a Byzantine icon of the Virgin was brought to Positano and venerated thereafter. The Icon belonged to a cargo ship from the East, and offshore of Positano the ship was stopped by a dead calm sea. After unsuccessful attempts to continue sailing, the sailors heard a voice saying “Posa Posa”, meaning, “Put me down, put me down!” (Origin of the name “Positano”). The captain thought this miracle meant that the Virgin wanted to stop there and decided to head for shore. At that point…the ship began to sail again. The sailors disembarked the icon and gave it to the inhabitants of Positano, who chose the Virgin as their patron and built a church in her honor. 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 with the backdrop of the Azzurro Mediterranean Sea, the church’s colorful majolica tiled cupola is one of the town’s iconic symbols. I found this Crucifix inside a small chapel of the ancient church which was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1159. Santa Maria keeps a blessed and watchful eye over Positano and welcomes all to this beautiful seaside village.
    Altare Privilegiato - Chiesa di Nost..tano
  • "Late afternoon light illuminates the saturated colors of Venice"...<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 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. This image was taken near 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. The late afternoon sunlight stimulated the glowing, magical, and saturated Venetian colors.
    La luce del tardo pomeriggio illumin..ezia
  • “Fountain of the goddess Roma in People's Square”…<br />
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Staying in a hotel which was a converted Monastery, Residenza Di Ripetta is between Piazza del Popolo and the famous Spanish Steps, centers of activity in Roma.  Piazza del Popolo is a harmonious oval piazza situated near Borghese Park. Three churches border the square and located in the center is an ancient obelisk from Heliopolis, Egypt dating from 1300 BC.  Santa Maria del Popolo is the most celebrated of the churches, built in the year 1477 and containing sculptures from Bernini and paintings from one of my favorite artists, Caravaggio.  The fountain on the western end of the square is the Fontana del Nettuno and shows Neptune accompanied by Tritons. The fountain opposite the Neptune Fountain, at the foot of the Pincio Gardens, is known as the Fontana della dea di Roma. The central figure is the goddess Rome, flanked by allegorical figures representing the rivers Tiber and Aniene. Below the goddess is a statue of a she-wolf suckling Remus and Romulus, founders of Rome.  This is a very common and visited site in the Piazza, but I was fortunate to have perfect skies and stationary subjects for the creation of the image.
    Fontana della dea Roma in Piazza del..polo
  • “Our Lady of Sorrows - Cathedral of San Rufino, Assisi”…<br />
<br />
The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiore at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect of the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi. Altare dell’ Addolorata consists of this dramatic statue of the Madonna Addolorata from 1672. Upon lighting candles for friends and family, a Franciscan Sister unknowingly posed in reflection completing the reverent presentation.
    Madonna Addolorata - Duomo di San Ru..sisi
  • “The organic colors and shapes 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 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.  This image was taken 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 Steves 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 actually smiled as I walked up and shook his hand, and dumbfoundedly I shared how much he contributed to my trip.  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, Frari.  As I walked away shocked by my accidental meeting, the clouds parted and the light struck a perfect note along this tiny majestic canal.
    Le organici colori e forme di Venezia
  • "Most Holy Crucifix inside the Cathedral of San Rufino Assisi"...<br />
<br />
The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect in the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi. I was struck by the elegant beauty of the “Holy Crucifix” inside the chapel. The apparent artist was Don Doni in 1561. It is carried in the annual procession in Assisi each Good Friday. The face of Christ reveals His suffering, however, it also exudes His beatification and contentment of the fulfillment of Holy Prophesy.
    Santissimo Crocifisso all'interno de..sisi
  • "Madonna and Child with Saints - Chapel of the Franciscan Saints - Basilica dei Frari Venice"...<br />
<br />
The altarpiece is depicting the Madonna and Child enthroned. To His right are St. Clare, St. Bonaventure, St. Francis and St. Mark; behind the head of the client: father Antonietto da Venezia; to the left: St. John the Baptist, St. Anthony, St. Louis d'Anjou (Bishop of Toulouse) and Saint Andrew. The artist is Bernardino Licinio and completed in the year 1524. The Basilica di Frari is one of my most favorite churches in all of Italy. Outwardly nondescript, walking through the doorway, one is instantly overwhelmed by its ancient beauty and grandeur. My imagination explodes with a fascinating impression of great history, aesthetic brilliance and the “Holy” who have embarked upon this monumental “Basilica masterpiece!” Although I managed to sneak a few images, photography was restricted on my first visit. However, on our Pilgrimage of 2019, a small entrance fee allowed for unlimited actuations. “Frari,” is a very large Gothic church of the early 15th-century now filled with elaborate paintings and tombs. The interior is light and spacious and claims are often made for the Frari being almost a museum of Venetian Renaissance art. The Assumption of the Virgin is a brilliant large altarpiece painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Titian. It is the largest altarpiece in the city and necessitated by the very large church. This masterpiece of Madonna and Child is a central theme of all the dramatic chapels around Frari to the delight of the faithful. 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 such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.
    Madonna col Bambino e santi - Cappel..ezia
  • “Chapel of the Holy Crucifix inside the Cathedral of San Rufino Assisi”…<br />
<br />
The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect in the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi.  I was struck by the elegant beauty of the “Holy Crucifix” inside the chapel. The apparent artist was Don Doni in 1561. It is carried in the annual procession in Assisi each Good Friday. The face of Christ reveals His suffering, however, it also exudes His beatification and contentment of the fulfillment of Holy Prophesy.
    Cappella del Santissimo Crocifisso a..sisi
  • “Sunlight illuminates the Crucifixion of the main altar of the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi”…<br />
<br />
The first time I visited the Cathedral, I was laboriously working my way up the Assisi mountain top, of which the Cathedral of San Rufino is the last church. Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous. Although every building in Assisi celebrates Saint Francis, the city’s cathedral is dedicated to San Rufino. It's named for Assisi's patron saint, a former 3rd-century bishop, and martyr. After converting Assisi to Christianity, he was killed by drowning in a nearby river. The cathedral has been a very important aspect in the history of the Franciscan order. It was here that Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and many of their original disciples were baptized. Hearing Francis preaching in this church in 1209, Saint Clare became deeply touched by his message and realized her calling. In 1228, here for the canonization of Saint Francis, Pope Gregory IX consecrated the high altar. A humorous story of the relics of Saint Rufino remaining in this ancient church before it was consecrated as a Cathedral is part of history. The townspeople fought for the saint’s body with the current Bishop Ugone, who wanted to move it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. The citizens took a position against the move and started a real “tug of war” with the saint's coffin. The sixty Bishops’ men were beaten by only seven Assisi citizens. The victory was seen as miraculous, even by Ugone, who then decided to renovate the small Basilica, which eventually became the Cathedral for Assisi.  The relics of St Rufino were removed from the crypt and translated to a new sarcophagus under the High Altar and newly-completed nave in 1586. The luminous window light on the side of the Crucifix surrounding Christ with Heaven’s brilliancy captured my abiding heart and unwavering soul.
    La luce del sole illumina la Crocifi..sisi
  • "Beautiful spring afternoon on the Rio del Frari - 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.  This image was taken 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 Steves 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 actually smiled as I walked up and shook his hand, and dumbfoundedly I shared how much he contributed to my trip.  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, Frari.  As I walked away shocked by my accidental meeting, the clouds parted and the light struck a perfect note along this tiny majestic canal.
    Bellissimo primavera pomeriggio sul ..ezia
  • “Colorful spring afternoon on Rio del Frari – 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.  This image was taken 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 Steves 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 actually smiled as I walked up and shook his hand, and dumbfoundedly I shared how much he contributed to my trip.  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, Frari.  As I walked away shocked by my accidental meeting, the clouds parted and the light struck a perfect note along this tiny majestic canal.
    Colorato primavera pomeriggio sul Ri..ezia
  • “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
  • "The sun sets behind the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore - Orvieto"...<br />
<br />
Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. Less than 90 minutes from Rome, Orvieto sits majestically high above the valley floor atop a big chunk of volcanic stone called tufa, and overlooking cypress-dotted Umbrian plains and vineyards. The ancient city rewards one with a peaceful and historical stroll back in time to the days of the Etruscans, who built this cliff top village over 2000 years ago for protection from their enemies. The ancient Etruscan wall still stands today presenting colorful cliffside views, and protecting the famous Duomo di Orvieto, the Palazzo del Popolo, and other antique treasures. A hospice for the poor and traveling pilgrims was established on this location in 1187 and the site eventually developed into a civic hospital.  Pope Clement IV gave permission for the erection of a chapel and cemetery in 1266.  Eventually the church finally closed in 2000, when the new Ospedale di Santa  Maria della Stella opened at nearby Ciconia.
    Il sole tramonta dietro la Chiesa di..ieto
  • “Evening fog rolling down the hill of Cortona - Oil painting”…<br />
<br />
This image was created using three horizontal photographs stitched together to form a panoramic evening view of Cortona.  The ancient church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio is resting on the hillside, presiding in a welcoming posture to all those strong enough to brave Cortona’s steep inclines.  The Church was constructed between the years of 1485 and 1513. It is the architectural work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini who designed it after having been contacted by his friend and great artist Luca Signorelli. The Renaissance style church built on a Latin cross plan with an elegant dome soars into the olive trees on the hillside above. It was the church of the guild of the shoe makers, who used their vats of lime for tanning leather, protected by an image of the Madonna painted by Bernardo Covatti, which is now displayed on the main altar of the church. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970.  If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Nebbia di sera rotolare giù per la c..olio
  • “Quiet evening view of Praiano from the cliffs of Positano”…<br />
<br />
Visiting Positano, one cannot help but notice the diminutive town snuggled in the side of a cliff jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea seven miles south of Positano. The tiny village seemed to glow every evening with the last bit of sunlight raining down as Praiano extended its petals skyward. High above the cliffs, buildings are scattered about with just enough via and Strada to support the population of just over 2000. And, like most places in Italy, there is a church for about every 300 parishioners of its population. The most famous is the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro, and the Convent of San Domenico located in the high Campo valley with breathtaking views. The vista of Praiano facing northward toward Positano brightly displays a prominent gold-colored church with the traditional majolica tile dome named Parrocchia Di San Gennaro, one of the most beautiful churches on the Amalfi Coast. In addition to the maze of little lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pastel-colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection. The town displays the most romantic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast with two beautiful beaches, Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella. The latter beach catches the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps. From my vantage point for this image and many others, it mystically seemed as though the sun never set on the Bellissimo Villaggio molto piccolo of Praiano.
    Tranquilla vista serata di Praiano d..tano
  • “The first light of dawn on Positano”…<br />
<br />
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 offered 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. The primary focal point of Positano is the majestic view of the church of Santa Maria Assunta overlooking the picturesque seaside village. The radiant dome is composed of majolica tiles which are very prominent on the Amalfi Coast. This prominent and resplendent church contains a thirteenth-century Byzantine icon of the legendary Black Madonna. Photogenic is an understatement for Positano, as she poses to perfection graciously revealing le sue bellissime coste!
    La prima luce dell'alba su Positano
  • “Hotel Oasi Neumann former Monastery Le Contesse Cortona”…<br />
<br />
As I photographed the ancient church Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio and awaited the magic hour of twilight, the illuminating reflection of light on the former Monastery glowed mystically in the background. The wispy evening clouds appeared like waves on the blue seas of the Mediterranean and created a bellissimo contrast of color and light. Just a few meters from Cortona Etruscan walls, standing majestically and perched atop the unique and strategic hilltop, rests the ancient monastery of Le Contesse, known today as the restored Hotel Oasi Neumann. This was the first community of Clarisse nuns who moved to this location in 1225. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970. If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Albergo Oasi Neumann ex Monastero Le..tona
  • "The early sun wakes Positano"...<br />
<br />
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 offered 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. The primary focal point of Positano is the majestic view of the church of Santa Maria Assunta overlooking the picturesque seaside village. The radiant dome is composed of majolica tiles which are very prominent on the Amalfi Coast. This prominent and resplendent church contains a thirteenth-century Byzantine icon of the legendary Black Madonna. Photogenic is an understatement for Positano, as she poses to perfection graciously revealing le sue bellissime coste!
    Il precoce sole si sveglia Positano
  • “Pine Tree overseas evening view from the cliffs of Positano”…<br />
<br />
Visiting Positano, one cannot help but notice the diminutive town snuggled in the side of a cliff jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea seven miles south of Positano.  The tiny village seemed to glow every evening with the last bit of sunlight raining down as Praiano extended its petals skyward.  High above the cliffs, buildings are scattered about with just enough via and strada to support the population of just over 2000.  And, like most places in Italy, there is a church for about every 300 parishioners of its population.  The most famous are the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro, and the Convent of San Domenico located in the high Campo valley with breathtaking views. The vista of Praiano facing northward toward Positano brightly displays a prominent gold colored church with the traditional majolica tile dome named Parrocchia Di San Gennaro, one of the most beautiful churches on the Amalfi Coast.  In addition to the maze of little lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pastel colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families in order to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection. The town displays the most romantic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast with two beautiful beaches, Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella.  The latter beach catches the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps.  From my vantage point for this image and many others, it mystically seemed as though the sun never set on the bellissimo villaggio molto piccolo of Praiano.
    Pino Albero oltremare serata vista d..tano
  • “Sunrise over Positano”…<br />
<br />
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 offered 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. The primary focal point of Positano is the majestic view of the church of Santa Maria Assunta overlooking the picturesque seaside village. The radiant dome is composed of majolica tiles which are very prominent on the Amalfi Coast. This prominent and resplendent church contains a thirteenth-century Byzantine icon of the legendary Black Madonna. Photogenic is an understatement for Positano, as she poses to perfection graciously revealing le sue bellissime coste!
    Alba sopra Positano
  • "A view from Positano to Praiano of the blue skies reflected in the Mediterranean Sea"...<br />
<br />
Visiting Positano, one cannot help but notice the diminutive town snuggled in the side of a cliff jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea seven miles south of Positano.  The tiny village seemed to glow every evening with the last bit of sunlight raining down as Praiano extended its petals skyward.  High above the cliffs, buildings are scattered about with just enough via and strada to support the population of just over 2000.  And, like most places in Italy, there is a church for about every 300 parishioners of its population.  The most famous are the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro, and the Convent of San Domenico located in the high Campo valley with breathtaking views. The vista of Praiano facing northward toward Positano brightly displays a prominent gold colored church with the traditional majolica tile dome named Parrocchia Di San Gennaro, one of the most beautiful churches on the Amalfi Coast.  In addition to the maze of little lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pastel colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families in order to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection. The town displays the most romantic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast with two beautiful beaches, Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella.  The latter beach catches the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps.  From my vantage point for this image and many others, it mystically seemed as though the sun never set on the bellissimo villaggio molto piccolo of Praiano.
    Una vista da Positano a Praiano dei ..aneo
  • "Fog descends on Hotel Oasi Neumann former Monastery Le Contesse Cortona"...<br />
<br />
As I photographed the ancient church Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio and awaited the magic hour of twilight, the illuminating reflection of light on the former Monastery glowed mystically in the background. The wispy evening clouds appeared like waves on the blue seas of the Mediterranean and created a bellissimo contrast of color and light. Just a few meters from Cortona Etruscan walls, standing majestically and perched atop the unique and strategic hilltop, rests the ancient monastery of Le Contesse, known today as the restored Hotel Oasi Neumann. This was the first community of Clarisse nuns who moved to this location in 1225. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970.  If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Nebbia scende su Albergo Oasi Neuman..tona
  • “Evening fog rolling down the hill of Cortona”…<br />
<br />
This image was created using three horizontal photographs stitched together to form a panoramic evening view of Cortona.  The ancient church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Calcinaio is resting on the hillside, presiding in a welcoming posture to all those strong enough to brave Cortona’s steep inclines.  The Church was constructed between the years of 1485 and 1513. It is the architectural work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini who designed it after having been contacted by his friend and great artist Luca Signorelli. The Renaissance style church built on a Latin cross plan with an elegant dome soars into the olive trees on the hillside above. It was the church of the guild of the shoe makers, who used their vats of lime for tanning leather, protected by an image of the Madonna painted by Bernardo Covatti, which is now displayed on the main altar of the church. Cortona was perhaps the most quaint and charming of towns during my Italian journey, and I was surprised to see the University of Georgia has maintained a campus there since 1970.  If one has the legs and heart to traverse the steep grades of this ancient Tuscan village, Cortona offers great rewards and blessings under the bellissimo Tuscan Sun.
    Nebbia di sera rotolare giù per la c..tona
  • “Evening sun over the bay of Positano protected by umbrella pine”…<br />
Visiting Positano, one cannot help but notice the diminutive town snuggled in the side of a cliff jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea seven miles south of Positano.  The tiny village seemed to glow every evening with the last bit of sunlight raining down as Praiano extended its petals skyward.  High above the cliffs, buildings are scattered about with just enough via and strada to support the population of just over 2000.  And, like most places in Italy, there is a church for about every 300 parishioners of its population.  The most famous are the Church of San Luca Evangelista, famous for its splendid majolica floor, the Church of Santa Maria a Castro, and the Convent of San Domenico located in the high Campo valley with breathtaking views. The vista of Praiano facing northward toward Positano brightly displays a prominent gold colored church with the traditional majolica tile dome named Parrocchia Di San Gennaro, one of the most beautiful churches on the Amalfi Coast.  In addition to the maze of little lanes, narrow flights of steps, and pastel colored cottages, one of the most characteristic features of Praiano is the majolica tiled votive shrines, which can be seen throughout the town. The shrines were constructed by the local families in order to both claim their ownership of a particular property and to obtain its divine protection. The town displays the most romantic sunsets on the Amalfi Coast with two beautiful beaches, Marina di Praia and Cala della Gavitella.  The latter beach catches the sun from dawn until dusk and can be reached from the center of the town via a pathway interspersed with short flights of steps.  From my vantage point for this image and many others, it mystically seemed as though the sun never set on the bellissimo villaggio molto piccolo of Praiano.
    Sole di sera sopra la baia di Posita..pino
  • “Panoramic view from the Bar Giardino San Lorenzo of the Cathedral of San Rufino of Assisi”… <br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. This charming oasis on top of Assisi, was analogous to a floral garden paradise, with astounding views of the valley below and as far away as Siena. Perfect areas abound with shaded tables and chairs and a hut for the main area of the tiny restaurant. The Italiani husband and wife smile graciously as they served up a lunch menu and drinks for the astounded patrons. It appeared to us Pilgrims that we stumbled on the most perfect plot of land in all of Assisi, and found ourselves blessed to sit and relax for moments as we could not help aiming our cameras at God’s pleasant surroundings. After dozens of images exhausted, and nourishment for our hunger and thirst, a sad goodbye was extended to our hosts and a touch of paradise. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Vista panoramica della Cattedrale di..enzo
  • "Dynamic view from the Bar San Lorenzo Garden of the Cathedral of San Rufino of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. This charming oasis on top of Assisi, was analogous to a floral garden paradise, with astounding views of the valley below and as far away as Siena. Perfect areas abound with shaded tables and chairs and a hut for the main area of the tiny restaurant. The Italiani husband and wife smile graciously as they served up a lunch menu and drinks for the astounded patrons. It appeared to us Pilgrims that we stumbled on the most perfect plot of land in all of Assisi, and found ourselves blessed to sit and relax for moments as we could not help aiming our cameras at God’s pleasant surroundings. After dozens of images exhausted, and nourishment for our hunger and thirst, a sad goodbye was extended to our hosts and to a touch of paradise. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Vista dinamica dal Bar Giardino San ..sisi
  • "Hotel Giotto sunset view of the Museum of San Pietro and the Crypt of San Vittorino – Assisi"...<br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. This charming oasis on top of Assisi, was analogous to a floral garden paradise, with astounding views of the valley below and as far away as Siena. As we meandered and descended downward toward our elegant Hotel Giotto near St. Francis Basilica, the sun began to pose and exhibit its colorful illuminations. The balcony was a perfect resting spot to capture this dramatic vision. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Hotel Giotto vista al tramonto del M..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
  • “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
  • “Monument to Saint Francis of Assisi in Rome”…<br />
<br />
In 1209 Saint Francis composed a simple rule for his friars, the "Primitive Rule," which came from verses in the Bible. The rule was "To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” This large monument of Italy’s Patron Saint (St. Francis of Assisi) is visually recognizable between the Basilicas of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme where we began our pilgrimage and San Giovanni in Laterano where we later enjoyed Mass. It was inaugurated in 1927 to commemorate the seventh centenary of his death. The statue portrays the visit of St Francis to Rome, leading his first eleven followers to seek permission from Pope Innocent III to found a new religious Order. A number of the Pope's counselors considered the mode of life proposed by Francis as unsafe and impractical. However, the Pope dreamt he saw Francis holding up the Basilica of St. John Lateran (the cathedral of Rome, thus the 'home church' of all Christendom) and decided to endorse Francis' Order. This occurred, according to tradition, on April 16, 1210, and constituted the official founding of the Franciscan Order. The bronze monument was sculpted by artist Giuseppe Tonnini. An inscription taken from the eleventh canto, of Paradise of the Divine Comedy, can be seen at the base, in which Dante makes references to Saint Francis: “Between Topino's stream and that which flows down from the hill the blessed Ubaldo chose, from a high peak there hangs a fertile slope; from there Perugia feels both heat and cold at Porta Sole, while behind it sorrow Nocera and Gualdo under their hard yoke. From this hillside, where it abates its rise, a sun was born into the world, much like this sun when it is climbing from the Ganges. Therefore let him who names this site not say, Assisi, which would be to say too little, but Orient, if he would name it rightly.”
    Monumento a san Francesco d'assisi a..Roma
  • “Panoramic view from the Bar Giardino San Lorenzo of the Cathedral of San Rufino of Assisi”… <br />
<br />
Upon my most recent Pilgrimage, I learned that taking a taxi to Rocco Maggiorie at the very top and working downward is much less strenuous and a more pleasant excursion. After morning Mass at Chiesa Nuova, and then to Portiuncula. The town has grown up around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Our Pilgrims took a break for lunch while fellow Pilgrim, Patrick and I headed for the mountain top of Assisi for panoramic views of the town below. The breathless spectacle peering down one side of the fortress is St. Francis Basilica, and the unparagoned ancient architecture on the opposite side and only way up and down, are Bellissimo landscapes of San Rufino and the Basilica di Santa Chiara. Shortly upon our descent, we found a spectacular hidden respite through the wall named: “Bar Giardino San Lorenzo,” where we stopped for lunch. This charming oasis on top of Assisi, was analogous to a floral garden paradise, with astounding views of the valley below and as far away as Siena. Perfect areas abound with shaded tables and chairs and a hut for the main area of the tiny restaurant. The Italiani husband and wife smile graciously as they served up a lunch menu and drinks for the astounded patrons. It appeared to us Pilgrims that we stumbled on the most perfect plot of land in all of Assisi, and found ourselves blessed to sit and relax for moments as we could not help aiming our cameras at God’s pleasant surroundings. After dozens of images exhausted, and nourishment for our hunger and thirst, a sad goodbye was extended to our hosts and to a touch of paradise. To date, I have only had the opportunity to visit Assisi twice in my lifetime, but I could not imagine a more perfect spiritual, aesthetically beautiful, and peaceful location in the world. We were off to our next incredible adjacency, the Cathedral of San Rufino.
    Vista panoramica dal Bar Giardino Sa..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
  • “The Blessed Virgin Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… <br />
<br />
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
  • “The Immaculate Heart of Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a devotional name used to refer to the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Early Christians were first attracted by the love and virtues of the Heart of Mary. The Gospel itself invited this attention with exquisite discretion and delicacy. Compassion for the Virgin Mother was the first characteristic of this devotion and appeal. It was at the foot of the Cross that the Christian heart first made the association to the Heart of Mary. Simeon's prophecy paved the way and furnished the devotion with one of its favorite formulae and most popular representations: “the heart pierced with a sword.” But Mary was not merely passive at the foot of the Cross; "she cooperated through charity," as St. Augustine says, ‘in the work of our redemption." The veneration of the Heart of Mary is analogous to the worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There are, however, differences in this analogy as devotion to the heart of Jesus is especially directed to the "divine heart" as overflowing with love for humanity. In the devotion to Mary, however, the attraction is the love of her heart for Jesus and God. The second difference is the nature of the devotion itself: in the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Roman Catholic venerates in a sense of love responding to love, in the devotion to the Heart of Mary, study and imitation hold as important a place as love. The devotion aims to unite humankind to God through Mary's heart, and this process involves the ideas of consecration and reparation. The idea for this painting was to include all the elements of Her perfect Heart, Christ, and His Holy Spirit.
    Il Cuore Immacolato di Maria - Dipin..etta
  • “The Blessed Virgin Mary - Painting by Dino Carbetta – Luminescent”…<br />
<br />
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 ..ente
  • “Virgin Mary and newborn Jesus in Bethlehem - Painting by Dino Carbetta”…<br />
<br />
"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) “Now we are about to receive the Savior, Emmanuel, God with us. God's only-begotten Son, born of the Father before all time, God of God, light of light, true God of true God, one being with the Father, is about to be born in time. For the salvation of men, He has come down upon earth and is conceived by the Holy Ghost in a virgin. He shall be called God with us, and yet He will be one in nature with us. He is to be like to us in all things except sin. He wills to share our poverty and to pray and suffer with us; He assumes our guilt. He is God with us in every phase of our life; He even takes our place on the cross, He remains with us in Holy Communion, in our daily Mass, and in our tabernacles. At some time in the future, He will still be God with us in His beautiful heaven. All this He has done for us even though we have repeatedly turned our back on Him.”
    Vergine Maria e Gesù neonato a Betle..etta
  • “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 />
<br />
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
  • “Mother Mary under the Cross - the Convent of cells Cortona”… <br />
<br />
Known as Le Celle, this Franciscan hermitage is just five miles from Cortona at the foot of Mount Sant’ Egidio. In 1211 St. Francis, along with a few of his followers, built the first nine cells of the hermitage and the place has taken the name of Celle ever since. Inside the tiny cell belonging to St. Francis is a tiny window, the bed on which he slept, his desk, and a painting of the Madonna and Child where he prayed. The Hermitage invokes a peaceful atmosphere of spirituality and solitude, yet it is vibrant with religious life. Currently, the hermitage is inhabited by seven friars who continue to practice the teachings of St. Francis. 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 create a surreal and picturesque vision of Saint Francis's image of God and nature. The convent can offer lodgings to those contemplating a vocational life. As I was exiting through the gates of the Convent, I noticed atop the embankment of the single dirt road leading there… a statue of Mother Mary. She stood majestically evoking a serene peacefulness over the Convent, its pilgrims, and visitors. The Madonna had rosaries swaying from her hand, and about 10 feet away stood a Cross surrounded by blooming roses. My mission was to capture a photograph containing all the elements of Mary, the Cross, roses, the famous Cypress trees of Italy, and the dramatic blue skies…it took a very creative epiphany or perhaps a miracle. I knelt on the edge of the rocky dirt road below the embankment as if I was in a fox hole, and peering upward, was able to contain all the elements in the frame of the image. Surprisingly to me, it worked, and the statue of the Madonna grew a distinct but faint smile watching the antics of a silly but grateful photographer.
    Madre Maria sotto la Croce - del Con..tona
  • “The Holy Cross Blesses the Christian Martyrs of the Roman Colosseum – BW”…<br />
<br />
This is one of the most poignant and meaningful images of my entire Italian journey. The Holy Cross stands very majestic as evening descends on the ancient ruins. The Colosseum has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday, the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum. The Colosseum is generally regarded by Christians as a site of the martyrdom of large numbers of believers during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, as evidenced by Church history and tradition. A Cross stands exultant in the Colosseum center with a plaque, stating: “The amphitheater, one consecrated to triumphs, entertainments, and the impious worship of pagan gods, is now dedicated to the sufferings of the martyrs purified from impious superstitions.” Viewing the iconic Colosseum for the first time…I was in awe. It is as grand in person as it appears in the media, and it seems to hold a very mystical aura. Climbing the ancient steps inside, one cannot help but feel not only the suffering of its past but the forgiveness and sacrifice of its present stature.
    Il Santa Croce Benedice i Martiri Cr..- BW
  • "Rainbow of God divides the sky between San Rufino and St. Clare of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
This image is perhaps 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 a double rainbow from the heavens shining down between the Duomo of Saint Rufino, and the Basilica of Saint Clare. I was able to take a few horizontal and vertical images of the great length and depth of the rainbow just before the sun dropped down below the horizon...and, it slowly faded.  My Italian journey was now and forever blessed by the hand of God.
    Arcobaleno di Dio divide il cielo tr..sisi
  • "Covenant of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary – Painting by Dino Carbetta"...<br />
<br />
As the Father chose Mary to be the Mother of his Son, Jesus Christ, it is also predestined that we are all blessed to be born in the grace of the flesh and blood of our perfect Mothers. This image conceived together of the consummate Mother and Son, gives us cause to realize the immaculate love of the “Two Hearts.” Stepping out of my comfort zone, I combined two of my most reverent images from Italy to form one exemplary heart. The Hearts of Jesus and Mary are mentioned in the New Testament. Luke 2:19: "Mary kept all these things pondering them in her heart", and Luke 2:51: "His Mother kept all these things carefully in Her Heart." John 7:38 refers to the heart of Jesus: "From His Heart will flow rivers of living water." From the 2nd century onward, according to the Venerable Pope Pius XII, saints and Church Fathers have referred to the Two Hearts. In devotions, prayers by Saint Maximillian Kolbe were built on the theme of "Jesus through Mary;" also, the messages of Our Lady of Fátima stated that the Heart of Jesus wishes to be honored together with the Heart of Mary. Saint Jacinta Marto, one of the three children of the Our Lady of Fátima apparitions, discussed the Hearts of Jesus and Mary with a then 12-year-old cousin Lúcia dos Santos: “When you are to say this, don't go and hide. Tell everybody that God grants us graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; that people are to ask Her for them; and that the Heart of Jesus wants the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be venerated at His side. Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God entrusted it to Her.”
    Alleanza dei Cuori di Gesù e Maria -..etta
  • ”Radiant Saint Teresa of Lisieux - the ‘Little Flower’ - Painting by Dino Carbetta”… <br />
<br />
Her sense of commitment led her to a profound experience of the love of God and neighbor. She never had an easy life, but she did live with a great sense of peace and joy. “I prefer the monotony of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies. To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul.”   Saint Therese had a simple yet powerful message that still resonates in the hearts of millions today. She died at the age of 24, believing that her life was just beginning for God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on earth. Her promised “Shower of Roses” began and has become a torrent in the Church ever since. These are the words of Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun called the “Little Flower,” who lived a cloistered life of obscurity in the convent of Lisieux, France. And her preference for hidden sacrifice did indeed convert souls. Few saints of God are more popular than this young nun. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, is read and loved throughout the world. Life in a Carmelite convent is indeed uneventful and consists mainly of prayer and hard domestic work. She saw in quiet suffering redemptive suffering, suffering that was indeed her apostolate. Thérèse said she came to the Carmel convent “to save souls and pray for priests.” Pope Pius X called her "the greatest saint of modern times.” Thérèse was canonized in 1925. In 1997, Pope John Paul II proclaimed her a Doctor of the Church, the third woman to be so recognized in light of her holiness and the influence of her teaching on spirituality in the Church. Her parents were also canonized in 2015. Pope John Paul II stated: Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face is the youngest of all the “Doctors of the Church”, but her ardent spiritual journey shows such maturity, and the insights of faith expressed in her writings are so vast and profound that they deserve a place among the great spiritual masters.
    Radiosa Santa Teresa di Lisieux - il..etta
  • "Saint Rita peacefully watches over her Basilica in Cascia, Italy - Painting by Dino Carbetta"...<br />
<br />
“Saint Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow, and member of a religious community. Her holiness was reflected in each phase of her life. Born in Roccaporena in central Italy, Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured into marrying a harsh and cruel man at a young age. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. Unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, Rita eventually succeeded. Over the years, her austerity, prayerfulness, and charity became legendary. When she developed wounds on her forehead, people quickly associated them with the wounds from Christ’s crown of thorns. She meditated frequently on Christ’s passion. Her care for the sick nuns was especially loving. She also counseled lay people who came to her monastery. Beatified in 1626, Rita was not canonized until 1900. She has acquired the reputation, together with Saint Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Many people visit her tomb each year.” It is said that Rita was bedridden at the convent near the end of her life. While visiting her, a cousin asked if she desired anything from her old home. Rita responded by asking for a rose from the garden. It was January, and her cousin did not expect to find one due to the season. However, when her relative went to the house, a single blooming rose was found in the garden, and her cousin brought it back to Rita at the convent. Other than Mother Mary, I found Saint Rita to be venerated everywhere in Italy. Her peaceful gaze grants each visitor with blessings of devoted compassion and loving tenderness. The Basilica was built in the early twentieth century to provide a larger church to house the much-visited relics of the former nun and saint who was canonized in 1900. The final construction concluded in 1947.
    Santa Rita veglia pacificamente sull..etta
  • "Double rainbow of God shines Between San Rufino and St. Clare of Assisi"...<br />
<br />
This image is perhaps 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 a double rainbow from the heavens shining down between the Duomo of Saint Rufino, and the Basilica of Saint Clare. I was able to take a few horizontal and vertical images of the great length and depth of the rainbow just before the sun dropped down below the horizon...and, it slowly faded.  My Italian journey was now and forever blessed by the hand of God.
    Doppio arcobaleno di Dio risplende T..sisi
  • "Blessed Mother Mary inside the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi - Painting by Dino Carbetta"...<br />
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Luke 1:46-48 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed." 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.
    Beata Madre Maria all'interno della ..etta
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