1999

Diary: San Giovanni Rotondo

Tobias Jones goes in search of Padre Pio

‘By the reception desk there’s a cabinet of Padre Pio mementos – letter-racks, mirrors, diaries, plates, each one bearing his by now familiar image: a high forehead, grey beard and bushy eyebrows, deep-set eyes above a slightly bulbous nose. The set of his mouth makes him... See more

In fact, there is only one aspect of Christian worship and community that we can trace to the very beginning. Across every generation, every ethnicity, every economic and denominational barrier the simple elements of the bread and the cup have endured as marks of Christ’s people.

A central element in religious practices

Salt is present in many spiritual ceremonies around the world. It is used for blessings and purification rites in various beliefs. Its incorruptibility makes it a symbol of permanence and wisdom in some traditions. In certain religious practices, it accompanies prayers to enhance their effectiveness. Its... See more

Catholicism has an insane aura. The skull of Mary Magdalene in St Maximin Basilica in France. https://t.co/DTjTsLV8A2

The history of Bakota’s St. Michael’s Cave Monastery has started back in pre-Christian times. Age of caves reaches almost 4 thousand years. Almost all this time they served to worship natural elements. Until now, some pagan artifacts have been saved: a man’s foot etched in stone, stone idols and altars.