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