In Italian the word “grande” means large. And when it comes to celebrating the season in Italy, the word aptly describes the way the birth of Christ is expressed. The celebrations are large. They’re dramatic and they’re also unique. Certainly, up and down and all-around Italy
Happy Advent. Or as we say in Italy, “Felice Avvento.” Deacon Dom and I are wishing you and yours a peaceful period of prayer, reflection, and joyful anticipation as we await the coming of the Savior of the world. We are spending the next two weeks,
One of our favorite and unique towns in all of Italy is the precious northern Lazio village of the Civita Bagnoregio. We always wanted to stay overnight in this magical place and finally had the opportunity to do so last month during our
More than a million faithful Catholics have been flocking to St. Mary Major Church in Assisi, Italy, over the last several months to venerate the relics of soon-to-be St. Carlo Acutis. The Catholic Church’s first millennial saint will be canonized during a Mass in St.
Up to 35 million people are expected to visit Rome by the end of 2025 for the Jubilee Year. Despite the increased visitors expected, recent surveys show Italy remains the world’s top travel destination. According to the “2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report,” surveying more than 2,200
The Jubilee Year is upon us; and next month, the Vatican, as part of its continuing Jubilee celebrations and special events, is offering a gathering, a Jubilee of Deacons and their families. This celebration will include journeying together through the Holy Doors of the major
A high school writing instructor once told me that good writers, even great ones, write what they know. It’s not as if I even come close to considering myself in the category of great writers such as Ernest Hemingway or John Steinbeck, both of whom,
Even if you won’t be able to visit Italy next year, here are some ways to bring Italy home for Jubilee 2025. The Jubilee Year of Hope begins on Christmas Eve, as Pope Francis opens the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s. If you’re one of
Anyone who has ever visited European churches, especially churches in Italy, is familiar with the framed silver images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that are often found displayed on the walls of these holy places. In some of the churches or shrines, the walls
Location of the First Nativity Gives New Insight to Old Christmas Carols As I stood there overlooking the Rieti valley, in the hilltop town of Greccio, the lyrics to more than one much-loved Christmas carol came to mind. Away in a manger, no
