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OLM
Parish Reporter IN Rome

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October 4, 1998 - Sunrise on Feast of S. Francis.

On the Facade of the North American College Chapel is this lovely frieze. It depicts the Blessed Virgin under the Title of Our Lady of the Assumption -- She is being crowned by angels and accompanied by angels on musical instruments - A Liturgical Image of this Mysery of our Faith.

After breakfast on Sunday, October 4, Feast of St. Francis the FOG was shrouding the top of St. Peter's Basilica. A truly impressive and significant event reminding me of Daly City, San Francisco and all the people who in a few short hours would also be rising to celebrate this feast of our patron. The multiple images give varied shots and times as a meditation on Rome and the Bay Area in my musings and thoughts.

Another Fanciful Flight Into Art

or what one does on a day without classes

baptismal font putae

putae at tomb of pope

On the Fonts at the entrance of St. Peters's and in various other places there are depictions of what we call cherubs. These are formally called putae [fanciful figures] in architecture. These are an example of the proportions and dimensions in St. Peter's since though they depict "baby-like" images they are in reality larger than an adult person. They are grand sculptures with flowing lines and fit into the decor and design of their particular areas very well.

The Large Painting-like images throughout St. Peter's are in reality not paintings at all. They may be reproductions of famous works but they are done with small glass tiles called tesserae. These tiles are put together and glass is used for its availability of a broad range of colors. The workmanship is outstanding as one can see a little bit in the detail in the middle above of a well lighted part of one of these paintings.
On the either side of the detail are two of these large images: St. Micahel the Archangel [l] and Jesus and Peter on the Sea of Galilee [r]. There are actual paintings in the Basilica but these are rather small renditions of the Blessed Mother from the pillars of the original church and they are in position at a couple of the side altars.

An Art Note of Interest????????????

A photo of interest to me and to possibly others in the parish was taken in A church on the Corso Victor Emmanuel. It shows how in earlier centuries, Mary was honored by multiple images in churchs. In this case ceiling frescos depict different images of her. It is much the same as our windows at OLM, showing different titles and images of Mary.

Il Papa Numero Duo!

Another small memento of my audience with the Pope. After the presentations and picture taking, the Pope presented each of us with a gift of remembrance of the audience. It was a gracious gesture and his firm handshake indicated his sincerely even though conversation was limited.

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OLM Parish Reporter IN Rome

October 4, 1998 - Sunrise on Feast of S. Francis.

An Art Note of Interest????????????

Il Papa Numero Duo!

OLM
Parish Reporter IN Rome