Buon Weekend (and Week Ahead!)
Every evening from Oct 2-16, a spectacular event will take place on the facade of St Peter’s Basilica…
In 2021, by Papal Decree, Pope Francis established the “Fratelli Tutti Foundation”. Its mission, he wrote, is to “encourage initiatives linked to spirituality, art, education and dialogue with the world, around Saint Peter's Basilica and in the embrace of its colonnade.”
This Sunday, a new initiative by this foundation launched in spectacular light and sound. Famed classical tenor, Andrea Bocelli, delighted thousands in a free concert before images telling of St Peter’s life lit up the Maderno facade.
To be honest, I had intended to write on this experience quickly—just to fill you in on the comings and goings at St Peter’s—but having experienced the full sensation of beauty, after so much immersion in bad news and, frankly, hideous artwork out of the Vatican over the last year? I wanted to absorb it first, as a flower in need of a good spring rain. Then write something expressing the gratitude I felt, walking away from there last night.
Here are a few still shots, and video I took from the experience—exclusive to my subscribers:
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