To partially make sense of my pilgrimage, I’m using three simple concepts: a pilgrim moves to a destination. Some of my fellow pilgrims are Roman Catholic. I can tell because they know what to do when we visit a church together! Here are my observations and thoughts about some aspects of being a Roman Catholic …
Continue reading 232. Being a Roman Catholic Pilgrim from a Protestant’s Perspective
Here are some more church photos depicting Jesus as Resurrected and as Pantocrator. Jesus with banner leaving the sarcophagus is the common theme. Also, Jesus freeing those who are dead is frequent. Seldom a tomb grave. Seldom post-resurrection events such as road to Emmaus or disciples by the Sea of Galilee. I also didn’t see …
Continue reading 231. Religious Art from a Pilgrim’s Perspective, 3
Here is a continuation of the previous post. This post deals with events leading to the crucifixion and the events surrounding the crucifixion. Last Supper In the Piacenza Cathedral, I saw this depiction of the Last Supper. While reminiscent of Da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan, the disicles and Jesus are certainly more contemporary individuals. …
Continue reading 230. Religious Art from a Pilgrim’s Perspective, 2
I’ve taken hundreds of photos of artwork. Since some churches have closed, their art usually ends up in a diocesan museum. Sometimes to preserve the art, a local public museum will hold the pieces. Most of the photos are shot in their original setting though. I’ve never taken a course on art; so I’m a …
Continue reading 229. Religious Art from a Pilgrim’s Perspective
For several years, Francis was handless. This past winter, Francis also became headless. I can’t have a garden without St. Francis so I purchased a new two foot statue. Once again, Francis stands among the flowers and feeds the birds. Who hasn’t seen St. Francis in a garden? Even the scholar Lynn White, who critiqued …
In Assisi, I constantly see either the word “pax”, peace, or an image symbolizing peace. Assisi Wine Peace St. Francis believed the highest ideal is peace; he believed that peace is the highest aspiration for each person. In St. Francis' Rule of 1223, Chapter 3: Concerning the divine office and fasting; and how the brothers …
I enjoy Assisi. I can relax; I can learn about Francis and Claire; I can eat and sleep when I want; I can take photos to my heart’s content; I can sit on the piazza drinking coffee and watch people. Nice! Here are some various photos from my iPhone. I can’t access my Nikon photos …
I’m fortunate to walk the Via Francigena at my young 72. With decent health, sufficient financial resources, and Mary’s support, I find that this pilgrimage is “doable.” I can feel the effects though. Losing a toenail on my right foot from walking shoes not tightly laced for the downhill walking in Aosta valley. The top …
My walk that day isn’t long, probably 8-9 miles. A couple of miles before San Gimignano, I see the town's towers. Neat! I reach the town, check into the hotel, and head directly to the church. I probably spend two hours looking at some of the most vivid and complete set of Biblical frescoes I’ve …
Since individuals are always walking, I’ve been here before pilgrims walked on me. Walking to a stream or hot springs for water. Collecting fruits and nuts. Trudging home after working in the fields, planting and harvesting wheat, oats, corn. Only a few on the path are consciously pilgrims. My surface varies. Much, much older are …
