This is truly one of the the world’s most amazing cities for architecture and art! We began the day at Santa Croce. Here we visited the tomb of Michelangelo. On his tomb are three women who represent the three arts Michelangelo utilized - architecture, painting and sculpture.
We celebrated Mass in a nearby chapel. Just look at the backdrop behind the altar. Amazing. Fr. Chuck Persing talked about the paralytic brought down through the roof of the home where Jesus was in order to bring their friend to Jesus. Each of us has an intention book filled with prayers of those we bring here spiritually. He made the connection to our prayers and intercessions for those who could not make the pilgrimage but whose needs are represented here.
We toured the Duomo. To be honest the outside of the buildings are much more beautiful than the inside. The white and green marble is spectacular and breathtaking to behold. The bell tower is still used and the baptistery only on occasion.
I spent most of the afternoon in the Uffizi Gallery. It has an extraordinary collection of Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Rembrandt, El Greco and other very famous painters and sculptors. I felt like I walked miles through the corridors and feasted on beauty at every turn. I could spend days there and still not see it all. The faith of the Renaissance artists is so beautifully depicted in these religious works reflecting their own spirituality and love for the Lord.
I walked back to our hotel (about a 35 minute walk) and am resting before going down for dinner. Needless to say, our folks are enjoying being together, praying together and experiencing the beauty of Florence - together.
Tomorrow it’s off to Rome.
No comments:
Post a Comment