The Colosseum - Rome's Greatest Stadium

Image via Wikipedia By Sarah Dudleymore


The Colosseum was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. It was built on a marshy site of a lake near the site of Nero's enormous palace. There was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from, later destroyed in the great fire of Rome.
The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today's stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated inearly in five minutes. The most inventive part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center to provide a breeze for the audience.

Saint Catherine of Siena goes to Avignon, France

Image by Lawrence OP via Flickr

Copyright © 2011 Bob and Penny Lord's Site


Catherine wrote many letters to the Pope, pleading the case of Florence. It was always as if she were writing to an old friend, very personally, very lovingly, or as to a father, calling him "Babbo Mio," (my daddy), never intimidated yet respectful of his position. And he, on his part, answered in kind, to a daughter. He liked Catherine.



Catherine wrote, as someone sent by the Lord, with authority, fully confident she was to bring His Will to His Vicar on earth. Does this sound a bit lofty on her part? Well, she was not the first woman to be a Prophet to the Pope. St. Bridget of Sweden, also a Mystic, had the courage of her convictions to speak out strongly on the need for reform, attacking boldly the corruption and politics in the Church. Whereas Pope Gregory XI called her a Prophet, he did not have the warm affection for her, that he had for Catherine with her gentleness. Whereas St. Bridget spoke of doom, Catherine called the Church a garden with beautiful flowers having been allowed to grow wild, with weeds in its midst choking it. She saw the Church, at large, as foolish, stubborn children in need of Daddy, Babbo, but too strong-willed and prideful to come home and say they were sorry.

How to Get Married in a Church in France

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By Kimberley Petyt


After "How can we get married on the Eiffel Tower", I would have to say, as an American wedding planner in Paris, my second most requested Parisian wedding inquiry by American brides is "We want to get married at Notre Dame Cathedral". Unfortunately, unless you have friends or relatives in some extremely high places, it is next to impossible to marry in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In fact, for a foreigner, it isn't exactly a cakewalk to get married in any church in France. One of the biggest things to keep in mind is that before any Catholic church in France will even consider marrying you, you must first have a civil ceremony either in France or in your home country. Once that is sorted out, you should then put on your Sunday's best, and get thee to the church in question for a little face-time.

Three Must Visit Attractions in Montreal

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Author: Lisa Steinway

Visitors from all over the world visit Montreal, Quebec each year due to its rich history and many popular tourist attractions. Montreal is an old city with a diverse culture and many wonderful cultural attractions. Montreal attractions include historical sites, parks, landmarks, and garden areas. There are many Montreal must-see attractions, however, below is a list of three must visit attractions in Montreal.

Top Treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Italy

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The Vatican Museums ( Musei Vaticani) are located inside the Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection acquired by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries. The collection includes some of the most renowned classical sculptures like the Apoxyomenos (Athlete Washing) in the Museo Pio Clementino that houses works of Greek and Roman sculpture. This statue was discovered in 1849 when it was excavated in Trastevere. This statue is a 1^st century Roman copy of an original Greek bronze by Lysippus.

A Summer Festival in Rome

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Author: Andrew Regan

Each year, thousands of tourists flock to Rome in order to experience this large Italian city and all it has to offer.

With a romantic atmosphere, ancient history and plenty of attractions, many consider Rome to be a premiere world destination for a vacation away.

If you’re interested in history, Rome makes an ideal destination, as there are plenty of museums and art galleries, which showcase the great history and artistic talent that has come from the Italian capital.

Retire to Italy

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By Mitch Bowler
Ciao! That is the most common word that you will hear when you first set foot in Italy. As we, all know the capital of this country is Rome where you can find St. Peter's Basilica, located in the Vatican City. This is known as the biggest Catholic Church in the whole world.
The climate here will depend on your location. The northern part of the country has a semi tropical climate with humidity. In coastal regions they experience warm weather, arid summers and a mild winter.
If you want to retire in Italy, you must have an annual income of 8,000 Euros which is US$ 11,510, for each retiree. If you are a European Union citizen, you will not need a visa to live here. For EU citizens all you have to do is go to the police station and make yourself registered as an acknowledgment of your stay in the country and then apply a permit for residency. For those retirees who are not from the European Union you must apply for a residence visa, which means that you have plans to stay in the country for more than 3 months and you have to show a proof that you can sustain your financial needs without working since you are already considered a retiree.

Miracle of Saint Catherine of Bologna

Image via WikipediaCopyright © 2010 Bob and Penny Lord's Site
http://www.submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=88661
Saint Catherine of Bologna
From Visionaries, Mystics and Stigmatists
Perhaps, one of the greatest Miracles is the incorrupt body of our Saint, seated on a regal throne in a Chapel to the left of the main altar in the Church of Corpus Domini in Bologna.
It remains intact, never having decomposed for over five hundred years!
In the beginning, after they realized they could not place her body in the grave, four nuns would carry Saint Catherine's body to the parlor on a wooden stretcher, every time visitors came to view the body, or the faithful wanted to venerate the Saint.
This went on for twelve years!
Then the nuns decided that the faithful could view her better if she were seated on a chair.
To their amazement, her body which had lost none of its suppleness, rigor mortis never having set in, became stiff, and the nuns could not place her in the chair.


It was only when the Abbess ordered her, did Catherine, out of obedience, sit unaided in the chair and in the same position she can be found to this day.



Our Saint wanted to be where all the people of God could venerate her easily, and so she appeared to one of the nuns of the Monastery of Corpus Domini and told her she wanted a Chapel built close to the outer church.



Previously, she had been in a Chapel inside the Monastery.



From the very beginning, Saint Catherine's Miracles and fame have brought people from all parts of the world, not only the simple faith-filled believers who fill and enrich our beautiful Church, but also future Saints, Kings and Queens and scholars.



Among the first to come was Queen Isabel of Naples, Italy, who arriving in her regal finery, venerated our Saint and then left her ring as a token of her affection. She was followed by Popes (one of whom was Pope Clement VII), Cardinals (including St. Charles Borromeo who gifted her with a precious vestment), Emperors, Princes and all kinds of personages.



Pope Clement VII granted the nuns permission to say the Office and celebrate Holy Mass in honor of Saint Catherine on March 9th which became her Feast Day. He inscribed her name in the Martyrology of Saints of the Roman Catholic Church. He was followed by other Popes who have granted indulgences and privileges to pilgrims coming to the Sacred place to venerate the saint.



The process for her Canonization was started in 1669 and was solemnly concluded on Trinity Sunday, the 22nd of May, 1712 when Pope Clement IX proclaimed to the whole world, to the whole Roman Catholic Church that we had a Saint!



The first time we went to visit Saint Catherine, it was out of holy curiosity; her body was incorrupt! But when we got there, we discovered a very powerful Saint who became very personal to us. We have loved her since 1977, the first time we brought our grandson, all of ten years old, to Europe with us. We hope reading about her that you will turn to her and get to know her with your head and heart, as we have.



[1]Every mortal sin is a sin against God. [2]make amends, restitution [3]a substance emanating from tar - used for waterproofing and covering roofs [4]refer to chapter on St. Catherine of Genoa

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Bob and Penny Lord are renowned Catholic authors and television hosts on EWTN, Global Catholic television. They are prolific writers about the Catholic faith, especially the Saints for which they have been dubbed "experts on the Saints." For more information about Visionaries, Mystics and Stigmatists like Saint Catherine of Bologna go to: http://www.bobandpennylord.com/vms.htm



Source: http://www.submityourarticle.com



Permalink: http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=88661

Art in Italy

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Italy is internationally recognized for its vast culture, art development and language production. Travel to Europe
and study Italian in Italy is a great option to discover the country where the two thirds of the world’s historical heritage lies. All types of architectural styles of the west globe can be found in Italy. Discover amazing cities as the region of the Tuscany that counts with more artistic expressions than the whole of Spain. The UNESCO has declared as World Heritage Sites more than 40 regions of Italy. Discover this astonishing past while you study Italian in Italy.

The Historic Center of Florence is a huge conglomerate of constructions and expressions from the Renaissance times and the Etruscan settlements in Italy. As you study Italian in Italy enjoy in Florence impressive buildings as the Church of Santa Croce and the Uffizi and Pitti Palace. Don’t miss the incredible works of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Giotto.

You should visit Rome and discover the capital of the ancient Roman Empire and the Roman Republic. In Rome you will enjoy religious constructions as the papal buildings and monuments
to old rulers like the Column of Marcus Aurelius. Study Italian in Italy as you go around the extensive mausoleums of Augusts and Hadrian, the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column.

In Lombardy you must get immersed in the mystery of the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Study Italian in Italy and find in this chapel a marvellous architectural complexity and the masterpiece “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci.

The city of Venice is an artistic expression in itself. While you study Italian in Italy you will encounter the major maritime power Italy ever had. Venice constructions and its intelligent display framed by water, are the most beautiful postcard Italy will confer you. Also enjoy the works of master Titian and Veronese.

A special place to visit in the region of Padua as you study Italian in Italy is the Botanical Garden created in 1945. This is the first botanical garden created in the world and it still keeps its premier layout. It also maintains its original purpose of being a scientific research center.

If you are interested in the archaeological past of the country, you must visit the province of Udine while you study Italian in Italy. In Udine you will find the greatest archaeological reserve of the kind; go around the remains of the wealthy city of Aquileia that was destroyed by Attila in the 5th C. Here you will also find the famous Patriarchal Basilica in your journey through history while you study Italian in Italy.

Italy is full of Catholic and Christian religious heritage. If you want to enjoy the biggest expression of faith in the country you should visit the Sacri Monti as you study Italian in Italy. This place portrays a group of chapels of architectural design from the 16th C, with valued paintings and statues. The chapels are perfectly integrated to the natural hilly landscape with blue lakes and pine trees. Study Italian in Italy and enjoy a country rich in culture, arts and faith.

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Retire to Italy

Image by Argenberg via Flickr

Ciao! That is the most common word that you will hear when you first set foot in Italy. As we, all know the capital of this country is Rome where you can find St. Peter's Basilica, located in the Vatican City. This is known as the biggest Catholic Church in the whole world.

The climate here will depend on your location. The northern part of the country has a semi tropical climate with humidity. In coastal regions they experience warm weather, arid summers and a mild winter.

If you want to retire in Italy, you must have an annual income of 8,000 Euros which is US$ 11,510, for each retiree. If you are a European Union citizen, you will not need a visa to live here. For EU citizens all you have to do is go to the police station and make yourself registered as an acknowledgment of your stay in the country and then apply a permit for residency. For those retirees who are not from the European Union you must apply for a residence visa, which means that you have plans to stay in the country for more than 3 months and you have to show a proof that you can sustain your financial needs without working since you are already considered a retiree.

Pizza, spaghetti, pasta! Those are the famous foods not only in Italy but in the whole world. Aside from these there are also different kinds of dishes from different regions of Italy and here are some tips on how to distinguish where the dishes come from.

You can distinguish the dish by the fat that was used. For instance, if the dish is cooked with butter then that dish is from the north, if they used the fat of the pork that means it is a dish from the middle part of the country, and if they used olive oil then that is from southern part. They also love to use herbs in cooking like parsley, rosemary, oregano and etc. One of the most important ingredients of their cuisine is of course cheese. Coffee with milk or café latte is one of the usual drinks especially with breakfast. Marsala, the most famous wine which originated in the southern part of the country is also used for cooking in the rest of the country.

Touring is one of the best options to keep yourself busy, should you choose to retire here or in a nearby country. The country is rich with beauty and history and if you are looking for a little bit of what they call La Dolce Vita (the sweet life) then Italy is one of the greatest places to choose.

Mitch Bowler is an avid traveler, having lived the majority of his adult life overseas exploring different cultures and learning about the best that each has to offer the expatriates who live there.

Visit http://www.retiring-overseas.com/retire-to-italy.html for more information on living abroad.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_Bowler
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