Weekly Recap

August 04, 2013

Weekly Recap

Dear Friends & Family,

This last week has sure flown by! In addition to our Italian language studies, we have been receiving instruction on the liturgy, theology, art, etc., from two priests in Siena- one who is the assistant to the Archbishop here and the other who is the Dominican Friar in charge of the ancient parish of San Domenico where the relics of St. Catherine of Siena remain.

Here's some pictures around the city and our home here at the monastero:

First, here are a few snapshots I was able to take of the Duomo (Cathedral) of Siena. Literally every inch of this awe-inspiring building contains a fresco or sculpture, created by the love and talent of a devoted soul for the glory of God, and to instruct the future generations of pilgrims who would come to visit. The medieval mind understood the connectedness within all of creation and sought to teach all peoples the Gospel of Christ. At a time when few could read and write, the great builders sought to create wondrous works of art that would inspire humanity to follow Jesus and His Church. That is why one cannot properly understand a cathedral without knowing that it is basically an encyclopedia of the Faith and a summary of the Bible.

Come, let us enter this sacred house of our Lord:

Here is a side chapel devoted the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of Siena. As Catholics, we venerate (honor) Mary because of her example in living the life of Faith as the mother of Jesus. Her prayers are very powerful in helping us draw closer to Christ! Every year, on the Feast of the Assumption, the town leaders of Siena, leave a lit candle and an offering here, in thanksgiving for Our Lady's intercession, a tradition that has continued since around the year 1260 AD!

Here is a glimpse of the illuminated manuscripts (Bibles, Gospel Books, and Psalteries used in chanting the liturgy) in the Duomo's library.

Once again, the famous Lady chapel

Another day, we again went to the Duomo, this time to see its famous museum. Although I wasn't able to take pictures of some of the most important works, it still holds an impressive amount of sacred items.

Here's a quick shot of the Duomo's tower- we can even see it from back at the monastero outside of town!

Two vaults from a planned transcept of the Duomo, that was never completed due to the plague and lack of resources. Originally, Siena had planned to build the biggest church in Christendom, but it wasn't meant to be!