Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The French Riviera
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Immaculate Conception
Today, we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Source:mllevaleur
Source:bncmal
Source:mllevaleur
Source:bncmal
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Roman Catacombs
It was this day that we went out from the city to go to our destination, the catacombs of Rome. Whew! However, we were not allowed to take photos down there, in the underground labyrinth of the chambers. Not so good to get lost there, I remember we were even led to the skeleton of a woman and a child, most probably the early Christians or Jews. We also saw a lot of art works in the form of ancient frescos (wall paintings), little lamps, and wall writings. A Don Bosco brother guided us to the area of St. Ceclia. The place is really interesting plus the stories behind these catacombs.
Pope John Paul II addressed the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology as follows:
"By visiting these monuments, one comes into contact with the evocative traces of the early Christianity and one can, so to speak, tangibly sense the faith that motivated those ancient Christian communities. Walking through the underground passages of the catacombs, one frequently glimpses many signs of the iconography of faith: the fish, a symbol of Christ; the anchor, an image of hope; the dove, which represents the believing soul and, next to the names on the tombs, often one sees the greeting: In Christo.
The catacombs also preserve the tombs of the first martyrs, witnesses of a clear and most steadfast faith, which led them as "athletes of God" to triumph over the supreme trial."
The Catacombs of Rome
They are ancient catacombs, or underground burial places under or near Rome, Italy, of which there are at least forty, some discovered only in recent decades. Though most famous for Christian burials, they include pagan and Jewish burials, either in separate catacombs or mixed together. They began in as much as a response to overcrowding and shortage of land as they were to satisfy the need for persecuted Christians to bury their dead secretly. The soft volcanic tufo rock under Rome is highly suitable for tunnelling, as it is softer when first exposed to air, hardening afterwards. Many have kilometres of tunnels, in up to four stories (or layers). The Christian catacombs are extremely important for the art history of early Christian art, as they contain the great majority of examples from before about 400 AD, in fresco and sculpture. The Jewish catacombs are similarly important for the study of Jewish art at this period.
Today
Currently maintenance of the catacombs is in the hands of the Papacy which has invested in the Salesians of Don Bosco the supervision of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus on the outskirts of Rome.
Responsibility for the Christian catacombs lies with the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology (Pontificia Commissione di Archeologia Sacra), which directs excavations and restoration.
Catacombs of San Callisto
Sited along the Appian way, these catacombs were built after A.D. 150, with some private Christian hypogea and a funeral area directly dependent on the Catholic Church. It takes its name from the deacon Saint Callixtus, proposed by Pope Zephyrinus in the administration of the same cemetery - on his accession as pope, he enlarged the complex, that quite soon became the official one for the Roman Church. The arcades, where more than fifty martyrs and sixteen pontiffs are buried, form part of a complex graveyard that occupies fifteen hectares and is almost 20 km long.
This catacomb's most ancient parts are the crypt of Lucina, the region of the Popes and the region of Saint Cecilia, where some of the most sacred memories of the place are preserved (including the crypt of the Popes, the crypt of Saint Cecilia, and the crypt of the Sacraments); the other regions are named the region of Saint Gaius and the region of Saint Eusebius (end of the 3rd century), West region (built in the first half of the 4th century) and the Liberian region (second half of the 4th century), all showing grandiose underground architecture. A modern staircase, on the site of an ancient one, was built by Pope Damasus I, giving access to the region of the Popes, in which is to be found the crypt of the popes, where nine pontiffs and, perhaps, eight representatives of the ecclesiastical hierarchy had been buried - along its walls are the original Greek inscriptions for the pontiffs Pontian, Anterus, Fabian, Lucius I and Eutychian. In the far wall Pope Sixtus II was also buried, after he was killed during the persecution of Valerian; in front of his tomb Pope Damasus had carved an inscription in poetic metre in characters thought up by the calligrapher Furius Dionisius Filocalus.
Source: Wikipedia
Pope John Paul II addressed the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology as follows:
"By visiting these monuments, one comes into contact with the evocative traces of the early Christianity and one can, so to speak, tangibly sense the faith that motivated those ancient Christian communities. Walking through the underground passages of the catacombs, one frequently glimpses many signs of the iconography of faith: the fish, a symbol of Christ; the anchor, an image of hope; the dove, which represents the believing soul and, next to the names on the tombs, often one sees the greeting: In Christo.The catacombs also preserve the tombs of the first martyrs, witnesses of a clear and most steadfast faith, which led them as "athletes of God" to triumph over the supreme trial."
The Catacombs of Rome
They are ancient catacombs, or underground burial places under or near Rome, Italy, of which there are at least forty, some discovered only in recent decades. Though most famous for Christian burials, they include pagan and Jewish burials, either in separate catacombs or mixed together. They began in as much as a response to overcrowding and shortage of land as they were to satisfy the need for persecuted Christians to bury their dead secretly. The soft volcanic tufo rock under Rome is highly suitable for tunnelling, as it is softer when first exposed to air, hardening afterwards. Many have kilometres of tunnels, in up to four stories (or layers). The Christian catacombs are extremely important for the art history of early Christian art, as they contain the great majority of examples from before about 400 AD, in fresco and sculpture. The Jewish catacombs are similarly important for the study of Jewish art at this period.Today
Currently maintenance of the catacombs is in the hands of the Papacy which has invested in the Salesians of Don Bosco the supervision of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus on the outskirts of Rome.Responsibility for the Christian catacombs lies with the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology (Pontificia Commissione di Archeologia Sacra), which directs excavations and restoration.
Catacombs of San Callisto
Sited along the Appian way, these catacombs were built after A.D. 150, with some private Christian hypogea and a funeral area directly dependent on the Catholic Church. It takes its name from the deacon Saint Callixtus, proposed by Pope Zephyrinus in the administration of the same cemetery - on his accession as pope, he enlarged the complex, that quite soon became the official one for the Roman Church. The arcades, where more than fifty martyrs and sixteen pontiffs are buried, form part of a complex graveyard that occupies fifteen hectares and is almost 20 km long.This catacomb's most ancient parts are the crypt of Lucina, the region of the Popes and the region of Saint Cecilia, where some of the most sacred memories of the place are preserved (including the crypt of the Popes, the crypt of Saint Cecilia, and the crypt of the Sacraments); the other regions are named the region of Saint Gaius and the region of Saint Eusebius (end of the 3rd century), West region (built in the first half of the 4th century) and the Liberian region (second half of the 4th century), all showing grandiose underground architecture. A modern staircase, on the site of an ancient one, was built by Pope Damasus I, giving access to the region of the Popes, in which is to be found the crypt of the popes, where nine pontiffs and, perhaps, eight representatives of the ecclesiastical hierarchy had been buried - along its walls are the original Greek inscriptions for the pontiffs Pontian, Anterus, Fabian, Lucius I and Eutychian. In the far wall Pope Sixtus II was also buried, after he was killed during the persecution of Valerian; in front of his tomb Pope Damasus had carved an inscription in poetic metre in characters thought up by the calligrapher Furius Dionisius Filocalus.
Source: Wikipedia
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Enjoying Italy
Buongiorno!
We love Italy. We had the opportunity to visit numerous lovely lovely churches in Rome. We took photos inside and outside the picturesque structures. Even the doors are marvelous and have their own stories to tell.
Yas here is my camera buddy. We shoot pictures of each other for souvenir. Not quite sure who took our photo together. She went straight home to Pampanga upon our return in the Philippines.
Great trip. Great company. Great moments!
We love Italy. We had the opportunity to visit numerous lovely lovely churches in Rome. We took photos inside and outside the picturesque structures. Even the doors are marvelous and have their own stories to tell.Yas here is my camera buddy. We shoot pictures of each other for souvenir. Not quite sure who took our photo together. She went straight home to Pampanga upon our return in the Philippines.
Great trip. Great company. Great moments!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Bird Watcher, Portugal and Malaysia
Back with the birds!
In my recent trip, I visited the commercial squares in Europe. This one was in Portugal. The birds won't fly, looks like they're heavy from getting fed by the tourists there (probably pizza crumbs).
Birds . . . they're great to watch when in a flock. I love watching them fly together. At home, in the Philippines, I am so blessed to have a view of a flock of flying birds every afternoon, an hour before sunset and after sunrise as I walk my dogs in the morning.
Obrigada! See video clip below.
I sure had a greater time with the birds there in Malaysia, at the Batu Caves, where they were more in number during my visit and had more energy to flap their wings.
Even my hotel in Malaysia has flying birds as motif on the walls. Cool! Fly on!
In my recent trip, I visited the commercial squares in Europe. This one was in Portugal. The birds won't fly, looks like they're heavy from getting fed by the tourists there (probably pizza crumbs).
Birds . . . they're great to watch when in a flock. I love watching them fly together. At home, in the Philippines, I am so blessed to have a view of a flock of flying birds every afternoon, an hour before sunset and after sunrise as I walk my dogs in the morning.Obrigada! See video clip below.
I sure had a greater time with the birds there in Malaysia, at the Batu Caves, where they were more in number during my visit and had more energy to flap their wings.
Even my hotel in Malaysia has flying birds as motif on the walls. Cool! Fly on!
Vacation to Spain
After Salamanca, we continued our journey in Spain, on to Burgos.
Burgos is a city of northern Spain, at the edge of the central plateau. It is the capital of the province of Burgos, in the autonomous community of Castile and Léon.
At an elevation of 856 m, the city of Burgos and its province have a Continental Mediterranean climate, a variant of the Continental climate and Mediterranean climate found in the Meseta Central of Spain and caused by two principal factors: distance from the sea and higher altitude. Temperature ranges can be extreme and Burgos is much drier than Spain's coastal regions, although there is year-round precipitation. In winter, temperatures routinely drop below 0°C (32°F) and snowfalls are common, while the summer months see average daily high temperatures of approximately 26°C (78.8°F). The lowest recorded temperature in Burgos was -21°C (-5.8°F) on 20 January 1885. The highest recorded temperature was 42°C (107.6°F) on 13 August 1987.
Burgos is rich in ancient churches and convents. The three most notable are the cathedral, with its chapel of the Condestables de Castilla, the monastery of Las Huelgas, and the Carthusian monastery of Miraflores.
The Gothic Cathedral at Burgos, begun in 1221, and construction spanned mainly from the 13th to 15th centuries. It was declared a World Heritage Site.
Brrrrrr . . . Burgos, 'twas freezing there. It was late afternoon when we reached our hotel (Zenit Puerta de Burgos).
Burgos is a city of northern Spain, at the edge of the central plateau. It is the capital of the province of Burgos, in the autonomous community of Castile and Léon.At an elevation of 856 m, the city of Burgos and its province have a Continental Mediterranean climate, a variant of the Continental climate and Mediterranean climate found in the Meseta Central of Spain and caused by two principal factors: distance from the sea and higher altitude. Temperature ranges can be extreme and Burgos is much drier than Spain's coastal regions, although there is year-round precipitation. In winter, temperatures routinely drop below 0°C (32°F) and snowfalls are common, while the summer months see average daily high temperatures of approximately 26°C (78.8°F). The lowest recorded temperature in Burgos was -21°C (-5.8°F) on 20 January 1885. The highest recorded temperature was 42°C (107.6°F) on 13 August 1987.
Burgos is rich in ancient churches and convents. The three most notable are the cathedral, with its chapel of the Condestables de Castilla, the monastery of Las Huelgas, and the Carthusian monastery of Miraflores.
The Gothic Cathedral at Burgos, begun in 1221, and construction spanned mainly from the 13th to 15th centuries. It was declared a World Heritage Site.
Brrrrrr . . . Burgos, 'twas freezing there. It was late afternoon when we reached our hotel (Zenit Puerta de Burgos).
Monday, November 9, 2009
Precious Moments Checks and Thumbs Up
Buongiorno!We love Italy.
We had lots of great bonding moments, even with the moms. It was like we were pulled out of earth and just went to Heaven for a glimpse of it for a little while. We were always excited and high and even happily tired and quivering cold.
It is the magic of the moment that kept on feeding our bonds, what being together daily for hours and hours of the day.
Keep posted guys! Thanks Yas (gal at the left). Ciao!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Salamanca Travel in Spain
We went to Salamanca where I bought my kid a souvenir sweat shirt (with "Universidad de Salamanca" on the front) because this place is known for its university. You'll never know, he may get to study here in the future as an exchange student or something. I noted that there were lots of pizza parlors, bars for great night outs and amazing architectural buildings in sight.
Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry situated in Villamayor, a village close to Salamanca.
One of the most important moments in Salamanca's history was the year 1218, when Alfonso IX of León created the University of Salamanca (see photo above). Soon it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centers in Europe.
The Plaza Mayor is the central square in the city and is known as the living room of the Salmantinos (Salamancans). It was constructed by Andrés García de Quiñones at the beginning of the 18th century. The plaza has a capacity of 20,000 people and is surrounded by shaded arcades. The plaza was originally a venue for bullfights but is currently used primarily for concerts. The plaza is regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe. Next to Main Square we can see the Central Market of Salamanca with typical fresh products of Spain.
The old Romanesque cathedral was founded in the 12th century. The dome that covers its crossing springs from a double arcade that is daringly pierced with windows, a distant reflection of Hagia Sophia. The mass of four pinnacles at the outside corners counter the thrust of the dome's weight.
The thrust of the vaulting is borne by four massive pinnacles. The vault of the apse was frescoed by the Early Renaissance painter Nicolas Florentino. The adjoining "new" cathedral was built in stages from 1509 and combines Late Gothic architecture, particularly in the interior, with the Renaissance style called Plateresque. It was still being finished in 1734. In the treasury is the bronze crucifix that was carried into battle before El Cid.
Many people continue to come from all parts of Spain to study at the University, and the students represent a significant percentage of the city's population (the University has 36,000 students, approximately). The support of the student population is one of the most important economic activities in the city. These young people (also consisting of international students studying the Spanish language) provide Salamanca with a highly active night life, specially when school is in session on both weekdays and weekends. This has led Salamanca to be in the top list of cities with the highest bar per inhabitant ratios in Europe, second to Bilbao.The University of Salamanca (Spanish: Universidad de Salamanca), located in the town of Salamanca, west of Madrid and close to the Portuguese, is the oldest university in Spain (the older "Estudio general de Palencia", which soon later disappeared, never got the title of University),and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded by Alfonso IX of León in 1218 as a "General School". This foundation did not last and the university was refounded by Alfonso's son, King St. Ferdinand III in 1243.
The university was founded as a "General School of the kingdom" by the Leonese king Alfonso IX in 1218 to allow the Leonese people to study at home without having to leave for Castile. The historical phrases Quod natura non dat, Salamantica non praestat (what nature does not give, Salamanca does not lend, in latin) and Multos et doctissimos Salmantica habet (many and very versed Salamanca has) give an idea of the prestige the institution rapidly acquired.
Like Oxford and Cambridge, Salamanca had a number of colleges (Colegios Mayores). These were founded as charitable institutions to enable poor scholars to attend the University. By the eighteenth century they had become closed corporations controlled by the families of their founders, and dominated the university between them. Most were destroyed by Napoleon's troops. Today some have been turned into faculty buildings while others survive as halls of residence.
Nowadays, Salamanca is the university of choice for plenty of Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students, (being the first in Spain regarding number of students coming from other regions.It is, as well, known for the Spanish courses for non-native speakers, with attract more than two thousand foreign students each year.
Today the University of Salamanca is an important centre for the study of humanities and is particularly noted for its language studies. State-of-the-art scientific research is carried out in the university and research centers associated with it, such as Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, Centro de Láseres Pulsados Ultracortos Ultraintensos.
In conjunction with the University of Cambridge, the University of Salamanca co-founded the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) in 1989.
As of 2009, preparations are being made for the celebration of the institution's eighth centennial.
Source: Wikipedia
Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry situated in Villamayor, a village close to Salamanca.
One of the most important moments in Salamanca's history was the year 1218, when Alfonso IX of León created the University of Salamanca (see photo above). Soon it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centers in Europe.
The Plaza Mayor is the central square in the city and is known as the living room of the Salmantinos (Salamancans). It was constructed by Andrés García de Quiñones at the beginning of the 18th century. The plaza has a capacity of 20,000 people and is surrounded by shaded arcades. The plaza was originally a venue for bullfights but is currently used primarily for concerts. The plaza is regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe. Next to Main Square we can see the Central Market of Salamanca with typical fresh products of Spain.The old Romanesque cathedral was founded in the 12th century. The dome that covers its crossing springs from a double arcade that is daringly pierced with windows, a distant reflection of Hagia Sophia. The mass of four pinnacles at the outside corners counter the thrust of the dome's weight.
The thrust of the vaulting is borne by four massive pinnacles. The vault of the apse was frescoed by the Early Renaissance painter Nicolas Florentino. The adjoining "new" cathedral was built in stages from 1509 and combines Late Gothic architecture, particularly in the interior, with the Renaissance style called Plateresque. It was still being finished in 1734. In the treasury is the bronze crucifix that was carried into battle before El Cid.
Many people continue to come from all parts of Spain to study at the University, and the students represent a significant percentage of the city's population (the University has 36,000 students, approximately). The support of the student population is one of the most important economic activities in the city. These young people (also consisting of international students studying the Spanish language) provide Salamanca with a highly active night life, specially when school is in session on both weekdays and weekends. This has led Salamanca to be in the top list of cities with the highest bar per inhabitant ratios in Europe, second to Bilbao.The University of Salamanca (Spanish: Universidad de Salamanca), located in the town of Salamanca, west of Madrid and close to the Portuguese, is the oldest university in Spain (the older "Estudio general de Palencia", which soon later disappeared, never got the title of University),and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded by Alfonso IX of León in 1218 as a "General School". This foundation did not last and the university was refounded by Alfonso's son, King St. Ferdinand III in 1243.
The university was founded as a "General School of the kingdom" by the Leonese king Alfonso IX in 1218 to allow the Leonese people to study at home without having to leave for Castile. The historical phrases Quod natura non dat, Salamantica non praestat (what nature does not give, Salamanca does not lend, in latin) and Multos et doctissimos Salmantica habet (many and very versed Salamanca has) give an idea of the prestige the institution rapidly acquired.Like Oxford and Cambridge, Salamanca had a number of colleges (Colegios Mayores). These were founded as charitable institutions to enable poor scholars to attend the University. By the eighteenth century they had become closed corporations controlled by the families of their founders, and dominated the university between them. Most were destroyed by Napoleon's troops. Today some have been turned into faculty buildings while others survive as halls of residence.
Nowadays, Salamanca is the university of choice for plenty of Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students, (being the first in Spain regarding number of students coming from other regions.It is, as well, known for the Spanish courses for non-native speakers, with attract more than two thousand foreign students each year.Today the University of Salamanca is an important centre for the study of humanities and is particularly noted for its language studies. State-of-the-art scientific research is carried out in the university and research centers associated with it, such as Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, Centro de Láseres Pulsados Ultracortos Ultraintensos.
In conjunction with the University of Cambridge, the University of Salamanca co-founded the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) in 1989.
As of 2009, preparations are being made for the celebration of the institution's eighth centennial.
Source: Wikipedia
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Travel Within Europe
This is a breaker.
Traveling Europe, terms have changed. A bus is called a coach, an elevator (which is usually tiny there) is called a lift and when looking for a restroom, don't ask for a C.R., look for signs that say "WC". Yup, W.C. for water closet.
As you see below, to flush you push the rectangle on the wall, though sometimes you pull up from the water closet or you pull down from the water closet. They do have automatic flush like the ones we have locally. Kinda fun, deciphering how to flush every time you visit another WC.
Traveling Europe, terms have changed. A bus is called a coach, an elevator (which is usually tiny there) is called a lift and when looking for a restroom, don't ask for a C.R., look for signs that say "WC". Yup, W.C. for water closet.As you see below, to flush you push the rectangle on the wall, though sometimes you pull up from the water closet or you pull down from the water closet. They do have automatic flush like the ones we have locally. Kinda fun, deciphering how to flush every time you visit another WC.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Fatima Shrine, Chapel of Apparitions
Peace and tranquility, that is Fatima.
We stayed at the Hotel Estrela de Fatima. Our first day there was wet, drizzles of rain poured continuously and the air was chilly. The atmosphere was solemn while you are being showered by holy water for cleansing before visiting the shrine. Fatima has a tremendous effect on one's soul and being, what with a world that needs peace.
My memory of the story of Fatima is not that vivid until I came to this place. Francesco, Jacinta and Lucia. The three innocent children to whom the "Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion" appeared. Francesco died at 8 years old, followed by Jacinta and later, both of them were canonized. Lucia, on the other hand, whom we see with the Pope, died just recently, in 2005. It was her whom the Lady shared the secrets of Fatima, including the conversion of Russia and the attempt in the life of the Pope. Because of this, the bullet that hit the Pope was given as a gift to our Lady and was incorporated at the center of Her Crown.
At the place of the apparitions, our Lady requested Lucia to have a church there, thus a small chapel was built, later on a very large open church enveloped the tiny chapel (it looks like a very tiny house at the altar, see photo below and compare it to the one above with an olive tree at the right side). This is the Sanctuary in the Cova da Iria. It was here that we said the rosary in Italian, Spanish, English, Korean and Filipino.
The Lady appeared near an olive tree, which eventually disappeared as people got a portion of it little by little. A similar tree nearby was then preserved in memory of the original tree.
We have a dear Mother who loves us and brings us to Her Son. Mother Mary asks that we pray the rosary daily for the conversion of sinners.
Dear Lady of Fatima, we come on bended knees
To beg your intercession for peace and unity.
Dear Lady, won't you show us the right and shining way
We pledge our love and offer you a rosary each day.
You promised at Fatima, each time that you appeared
To help us if we pray to you to banish war and fear.
Dear Lady, on first Saturdays we ask your guiding hands
For grace and guidance here on earth and protection for our land.
We stayed at the Hotel Estrela de Fatima. Our first day there was wet, drizzles of rain poured continuously and the air was chilly. The atmosphere was solemn while you are being showered by holy water for cleansing before visiting the shrine. Fatima has a tremendous effect on one's soul and being, what with a world that needs peace.
My memory of the story of Fatima is not that vivid until I came to this place. Francesco, Jacinta and Lucia. The three innocent children to whom the "Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion" appeared. Francesco died at 8 years old, followed by Jacinta and later, both of them were canonized. Lucia, on the other hand, whom we see with the Pope, died just recently, in 2005. It was her whom the Lady shared the secrets of Fatima, including the conversion of Russia and the attempt in the life of the Pope. Because of this, the bullet that hit the Pope was given as a gift to our Lady and was incorporated at the center of Her Crown.
At the place of the apparitions, our Lady requested Lucia to have a church there, thus a small chapel was built, later on a very large open church enveloped the tiny chapel (it looks like a very tiny house at the altar, see photo below and compare it to the one above with an olive tree at the right side). This is the Sanctuary in the Cova da Iria. It was here that we said the rosary in Italian, Spanish, English, Korean and Filipino.
The Lady appeared near an olive tree, which eventually disappeared as people got a portion of it little by little. A similar tree nearby was then preserved in memory of the original tree.
We have a dear Mother who loves us and brings us to Her Son. Mother Mary asks that we pray the rosary daily for the conversion of sinners.Dear Lady of Fatima, we come on bended knees
To beg your intercession for peace and unity.
Dear Lady, won't you show us the right and shining way
We pledge our love and offer you a rosary each day.
You promised at Fatima, each time that you appeared
To help us if we pray to you to banish war and fear.
Dear Lady, on first Saturdays we ask your guiding hands
For grace and guidance here on earth and protection for our land.
New Church Building
A new church building was built at Fatima, though at first, the people were not buying the idea of a modern house of prayer. It is a gigantic auditorium with the latest gadgets. Spaces and equipment are provided for video press coverages, seat boxes for VIPs, panels for cameras, lighting effects, a super organ, a provision for an orchestra, thousands of seats, the works.
The enormous but slim cross outside was created by an Italian artist. A lot of other art pieces can be seen inside, including the grand altar (where a piece of the tomb of St. Peter is embedded, see the lighted portion at the center of the altar) with an artistic crucifix plus the backdrop of golden mosaic. Phenomenal!
Europe Adventure Travel, More of Portugal
I love the houses and the apartment buildings, what with the verandas and the arches and the window panes, not really new but they do look like those in the movies. I was a kid again, looking in awe at my surroundings.
The commercial squares have tall monuments, fountains and even pigeons that you can feed and just enjoy the company, while feeling the sunlight and the cool air on your face and skin. I was really absorbing this vacation aura.
Let's not leave the beautiful and historical churches like the St. Anthony de Padua church. St. Anthony, by the way was baptized at the Lisbon Cathedral.
The commercial squares have tall monuments, fountains and even pigeons that you can feed and just enjoy the company, while feeling the sunlight and the cool air on your face and skin. I was really absorbing this vacation aura.
Let's not leave the beautiful and historical churches like the St. Anthony de Padua church. St. Anthony, by the way was baptized at the Lisbon Cathedral.
Europe Travel Group
As the plane landed at the airport, we thank the Lord for a safe trip. Finally, after almost 18 hours of waiting and traveling (was at Ninoy Aquino airport at 6:30 am for the 10:45 am flight, then we left the Lisbon airport at 1:00 am the following day) in a couple of planes and airports, we are here, breathing Portuguese air.
We checked in at the Holiday Inn Continental, Lisbon.
This is an opportunity to show my gratitude to the best roommate (for almost 10 days, after which she preferred to leave me for Paris). To Lanee, thanks for a superb time together! Hope to see you again before Christmas and hopefully for another trip sometime next year. You and Europe will be cherished by me at the same level, to the max. Happy Birthday!
We checked in at the Holiday Inn Continental, Lisbon.
This is an opportunity to show my gratitude to the best roommate (for almost 10 days, after which she preferred to leave me for Paris). To Lanee, thanks for a superb time together! Hope to see you again before Christmas and hopefully for another trip sometime next year. You and Europe will be cherished by me at the same level, to the max. Happy Birthday!
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