In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi, a deacon, was in Greccio, Italy for Christmas. He had recently visited the Holy Land, and wanted to inspire devotion in the villagers, and himself, for midnight Mass. We don’t know exactly how the … Continue reading
(Makes two dozen miniature Cannoli or about a dozen regular sized) Ingredients: 2 pounds of Ricotta Cheese Pre-made cannoli shells (can be purchased at bulk food stores or Italian markets) 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of cinnamon … Continue reading
With Thanksgiving behind us, many are beginning to plan for their Christmas Eve and Christmas day dinners. Even though the official holidays are a month away, it’s important to get a head start, given not only all the activities of the … Continue reading
The Last Judgment by Michelangelo is the one of the most famous of all of his frescoes and covers the entire east wall behind the altar in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. This painting took Michelangelo four years to … Continue reading
Imagine being in the Sistine Chapel with only a handful of people. No security guards repeatedly shouting “silenzio” as you make your way shoulder-to-shoulder through the galleries and down the narrow stairs and into the Chapel chambers, only to be … Continue reading