Religion

Free will: what it is, what it means

Free will: what it is, what it means

What is free will? What implications does it have for a man’s life in general, and for the Christian’s in particular? Let’s get to know this philosophical and theological concept a bit better, since it influenced the history of ethical, religious and human thinking. If…

How to become a deacon: duties and education

How to become a deacon: duties and education

Who is a deacon and what does he do? How to become a deacon? Let’s find out more about this figure that has always been present in the Catholic Church, and has important and solemn duties during celebrations. The word ‘deacon’ comes from the Greek…

The meaning of the seven Deadly Sins

The meaning of the seven Deadly Sins

What is the meaning of the seven Deadly Sins? Where do they come from and how were they defined throughout history? Why are they seven? Let’s find out together. In order to understand the meaning of the seven Deadly Sins, first we need to clarify…

The Menorah: history and meaning of the Jewish candelabra

The Menorah: history and meaning of the Jewish candelabra

The Menorah is one of the main symbols of the Jewish world. It is a seven-branched oil lamp. In ancient times, it was lit in the Temple of Jerusalem, and it was an extremely sacred and majestic object. Let’s get to know it a little…

The miracles of Saint Gerard Majella

The miracles of Saint Gerard Majella

The miracles of Saint Gerard Majella let the world know the human and spiritual story of this exceptional young man. Let’s find out more about the saint Patron of Basilicata, protector of pregnant women, mothers and children. Gerard Majella was born in a modest family…

What is the Scapular?

What is the Scapular?

The scapular has evolved throughout time, from being a work garment for monks to becoming a devotional object used also by lay people. What is its meaning? And most of all, how can we wear it without falling into error? At the beginning, the scapular…

5 religious key chains to give on 5 different occasions

5 religious key chains to give on 5 different occasions

What could be a not too expensive gift, but which can also let the people we love know that we think about them? Have you ever thought of a religious key chain? Small, practical, useful, it is the perfect gift for any occasion. And for…

Murano (Venetian) glass: the making and its characteristics

Murano (Venetian) glass: the making and its characteristics

Murano is a wonderful island that has been guarding the secrets of a unique and inimitable artisanal craft for centuries. Let’s discover the Murano glass jewels together, and in particular the rosaries and crucifixes made by the expert hands of the glassblowers. Murano is one…

History of Saint Peter’s Baldachin

History of Saint Peter’s Baldachin

Saint Peter’s Baldachin is one of the most spectacular monuments we can admire inside Saint Peter’s Basilica. What is it? Who made it? Let’s get to know this sumptuous baroque art piece, which is admired by millions of visitors from all over the world every…

There is a guardian angel in your baby’s room

There is a guardian angel in your baby’s room

The guardian angel. An imaginary friend when we are young, a constant and comforting presence next to us when we grow up. Let’s find out (and rediscover) the importance of such celestial presence that protect us for life. When we are young, it is easy…

Easter Blessings to families

Easter Blessings to families

The tradition of blessing during Lent and Easter is very ancient and represents one of the most important moments of the liturgical year, not only for the faithful receiving it, but also for the priests giving it. Let’s find out why. We talked previously about…

Types of Crosses and their meanings

Types of Crosses and their meanings

The cross is an ancient symbol, with many variations throughout time. For Christians, it is of the utmost importance. Lets’ discover the different types of crosses, their history and their symbolical meaning. What is a cross? Most of the people we know would answer such…

Ampullas for celebrations: small vases with precious contents

Ampullas for celebrations: small vases with precious contents

What are the ampullas for celebrations for? Let’s find out about the history and use of two small and precious sacred objects, which are essential for Eucharist celebrations. Ampullas for celebrations or ampullas for liturgy are those two small sacred vases that contain the water…

Olive oil: an excellence that has to be preserved

Olive oil: an excellence that has to be preserved

Considered as food for millennia, but also as a cosmetic and healing ally, olive oil has so many beneficial properties that it is considered as an elixir of eternal youth. Rich and precious as the metal it is compared to, olive oil, or ‘green gold’,…

Bible bookmark: read the verse that gives you strength

Bible bookmark: read the verse that gives you strength

Bible bookmark: a simple object that can come in use in hard times, letting us quickly find a sentence that gives us strength and hope. Reading the Bible is a precious and important habit for any Christian. Such practice induces a dialog with God, but…

Anniversary of the election of Pope Francis

Anniversary of the election of Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ pacific revolution. On the fifth anniversary of his election, recently celebrated, let’s see how the Church has changed and if it is changing under the lead of this special man. ‘There is nothing greater and more fruitful than love: it bestows all dignity…

Plexiglas or wooden lecterns? Your commodity is priceless

Plexiglas or wooden lecterns? Your commodity is priceless

Have you ever been fascinated by a wooden lectern holding a ponderous, ancient tome? Fine objects, today lecterns are not only a prerogative of churches. We can find wooden or even plexiglass lecterns in libraries, museums, restaurants and even private homes. What is a lectern…

The art of decoupage on cardboard boxes

The art of decoupage on cardboard boxes

Decoupage is an art that merges relatively new techniques with artisanal mastery. Russian decoupage boxes are an example of how ancient sacred and famous images can be reinterpreted in an original way to create beautiful furnishing accessories that fit into any house. There are many…