Wednesday, December 22, 2010

San Luigi dei Francesi

Darn Rick Steves! They replayed his European Christmas special with footage of the holidays from all over Europe including Italy, Switzerland, Norway and Austria. It made me want to jump on a plane! Someday... perhaps Rome for Christmas? Yes, I think so.

These photos are from last spring but with the gold gilt and nativity painting they fit the Christmas theme. Plus, any excuse to post Italy photos!

Built with funds donated by Catherine de Medici
and the "heart" of Rome's French Catholic community.
It also houses three amazing Caravaggios!

Enter the innermost sanctuary of the soul.
... Remember and realize
the forgotten image of God within you.





Each of us is a child of God.
We are born of His spirit,
in all its purity and glory and joy.



True prayer is an expression of the soul,
an urge from the soul.
It is a hunger for God that arises from within,
expressing itself to Him ardently, silently.



Constantly, inwardly, talk to Him;
then He cannot remain away from you.

Remain in the castle of His presence ...
Carry within you
a portable heaven.

~Paramahansa Yogananda


15 comments:

Carolyn said...

Beautiful images and a beautiful message too!

Christmas Blessings,

Carolyn

none said...

Now these are lovely! Can't decide which are lovelier, the photos or the message. Thanks for this brightness this morning.

Victoria said...

Wow..sooo lovely..beautiful and fabulous!! Buon Natale!!
Victoria~

Joyce said...

Beautiful photos my friend. I can feel the Christmas spirit through the images. In case I don't get back here before Christmas. Have a Merry Christmas my friend!! xo

Susan Roux said...

Lovely photos. Christmas in Rome? How romantic! Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

I've seen that show as well and it always makes me want to run away to the Swiss Alps and go for a sleigh ride! Gorgeous photos...I bet Rome at Christmas is full of glittery magic!

erin's art and gardens said...

"carry within you a portable heaven"...lucinda, you find the most beautiful words...i love that! and your photos are amazing, that first shot is incredible as if looking at heaven itself. i loved rick steves program too..mu hubby and i always comment what a great job he has!
merry christmas!
erin

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Beautiful images...a wonderful season to you!!

ArtSparker said...

Hmm, wonder if they have available for streaming on netflix...

JANE MINTER said...

boun natale ! happy christmas.... lucinda ..beautiful photos and quote

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing your lovely thoughts on my post, it means a lot. Have a very Merry Christmas my friend.

Abby

P.S. I enjoyed my visit to your blog, I'll be sure to stop by again.

BB said...

Great post,you made me :)
Just stoped by to wish a Merry Christmas filled with joy and love.
Merry Christmas little one,and may the light of love shine upon you always !_BB

KathyA said...

ANY photos, TV shows of Italy make me want to jump on a plane!

Buon Natale, Cara!

sue said...

Buon Natale, for sure! Such elegant, beautiful images! Have a wonderful holiday!!

shopgirl said...

Yes, Rick Steves has an awesome job.

Italy is beautiful, but in winter....terribly cold. Spring or Fall is definitely better.

Rambles with Reese