Art, Food and the air of Rome. Curated by Lucy Gordon
By Mother Martha Confetti are traditionally almonds from Avola in Sicily’s province of Syracuse coated in a hard outer shell of sugar. They are ubiquitous at many Italian (but not only) celebrations as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. At baptisms the confetti are obviously pink or blue; at first communions, confirmations and weddings, white; [...]
By Lucy Gordan Giovanni Paolo Panini’s “Interior of S. Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) in Rome,” ca. 1754 The Basilica of St. Mary Major was consecrated on August 5, 434, soon after the Second Council of Ephesus in 431, when an assembly of bishops affirmed the doctrine that Mary was the Mother of God. [...]
The Pope welcomed the Armed forces, Police and Security Personnel from around the world to celebrate their spiritual bond — with each other, and with their fellow man By Anna Artymiak American police officers from the City of New York pose with a member of the Swiss Guard in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in [...]
By Dominic Andres The Catholic Institute of Technology was born on the back of a napkin, in a restaurant in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. “CatholicTech” in shorthand, it is an American research university, the first in the world to have a fully Catholic identity. It was founded by Bill and Alexis Haughey in 2023 and opened its [...]
By Gabriel Diaz-Patri Giovanni Palestrina’s sacred works comprise 105 Masses in various styles, 68 offertories (where he abandoned the traditional cantus firmus technique – using an existing melody as the basis for a polyphonic composition -- in favour of free composition), 250 motets, and 35 magnificats and 45 hymns written for the Divine Office. Understanding this [...]
By Marco della Sciucca Sometimes it seems like chasing ghosts when reconstructing the life story of a sixteenth-century character, even when that character has the proportions of a giant. Such is the case of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. His exact date of birth is uncertain — there were still no parish baptismal registers — but from [...]
By Aurelio Porfiri Anyone involved in the field of Catholic sacred music knows well that Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–1594) is considered the "master of masters," a fundamental reference point for liturgical singing. This year, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of his birth. Countless composers have drawn inspiration from him, and even today, he holds a [...]
Within the Church’s tradition is the perennial beauty of his sacred music By ITV staff Catholic composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594). Nowhere on earth is the word “tradition” more venerated than in the bosom of the Catholic Church. Signifying all that has been “handed down” to us from the Apostles and their successors [...]
Believing in the Resurrection means every man's spiritual resurrection is possible By Marcellus Allen Roberts The Incredulity of St. Thomas, Caravaggio, 1601-02. It was painted for Vincenzo Gustiniani, later entered the Royal Collection of Prussia, survived the Second World War unscathed, and is now in the Palais at Sanssouci, Berlin. Do you believe in [...]
We keep "hidden" what is most precious: Our life in Christ By Anthony Esolen* Parable of the Hidden Treasure, Rembrandt, c.1630 (Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest) In the 14th petition of the Litany of the Sacred Heart, “Heart of Jesus,” we say, “in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy [...]
