What is the most famous chapel in the world? Many would say the Sistine Chapel in Rome. When pilgrims and tourists visit the chapel, the focus is not on its architecture but on the art, and rightly so. … Yet, we should not overlook the architecture of the Sistine chapel. It is crucial to our understanding of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
• 312 - Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Constantine was victorious after seeing a vision of the Chi-Rho, a symbol of Christ.
by Lex Bosman
Anyone entering the present church of San Giovanni in Laterano for the first time will probably not immediately be aware of the historical importance of this place, nor of the history hidden in this great building.
The profound spiritual renewal of the Counter-Reformation Church reaffirmed the central role of the Eucharist in Catholic faith and worship. Altars dedicated to the Eucharist were erected in major churches throughout Italy, often by local bishops, while in Rome, the popes assumed the patronage of sacrament altars.
This year marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of the baroque priest-architect Guarino Guarini (1624-1683). Guarini, a Theatine priest active as a mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, as well as an architect, designed buildings throughout the Italian peninsula and across Europe.