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Author: Redazione

Getting ready for Christmas while having fun with your child

Getting ready for Christmas while having fun with your child

Christmas is the family holiday, the occasion where all gather to celebrate and spend some time in peace and harmony. Wouldn’t it be nice if the family was involved in the organization of such celebrations and in the decoration of the house? Especially for the…

Decorate your house for Christmas in complete safety

Decorate your house for Christmas in complete safety

When a little child lives in the house, you need to opt for a series of indispensable precautions to avoid unpleasant accidents which can also have serious consequences. It’s a well known fact that kids are curious by nature. The youngest ones crawl in every…

Christmas markets in Bolzano and Bressanone

Christmas markets in Bolzano and Bressanone

Few places call to mind holidays atmosphere as much as Christmas markets do. They are definitely not usual markets, as we are used to see all year round in our cities. Christmas markets are veritable events, which change the look of the streets and squares that host them, transforming them into magical places, suspended in time and space, in a dreamy and subtle dimension.

In Italy, Christmas markets in Bolzano and Bressanone are particularly famous, and there are many reasons why. In Bressanone, the old walls of the Episcopal Palace light up with multiple colors, while seductive perfumes of ancient but never forgotten delicacies spread in the air. The market in Bressanone is an event not to be missed by those who want to lose themselves in the Christmas atmosphere. Besides the countless artisanal objects, the handmade nativity scenes, the wooden sculptures, the precious crystal knick-knacks, visitors can taste unique flavors such as the specialties from Valle Isacro, and other genuine products offered by local merchants.

Also the city of Bolzano offers an extraordinary experience in terms of tasting and living, an experience for all senses. Christmas songs and melodies run across the branches of the big decorated tree, among the colored booths selling local products. Air smells like wood, spices and mulled wine, and all that enchanting and warming awesomeness, instills a feeling of harmony, warmth and love in all the visitors’ hearts. The whole historical center of Bolzano is filled with it, each vibrant light, each melody sung by sweet voices or by the instruments played by the many musicians, each cloud scented like biscuits, strudel and sweets.

In those places more than anywhere else, visitors can breath the true meaning of Christmas, its deep charm, made of magic, tradition and unrivaled atmosphere. We got enthralles by that too, how could it be otherwise? In our page you can see some pictures of our wonderful experience.

Animals that should not be missing in your nativity scene

Animals that should not be missing in your nativity scene

Among the many characters in a nativity scene, you just cannot ignore the large amount of animals of any kind. The most “famous” are surely the ox and the donkey, which warmed baby Jesus with their warm breath. The former is said to have lured…

Chocolate Christmas

Chocolate Christmas

Dessert should not be missing from the holiday table. Let alone on the table of the Ultimate Holiday! During Christmas sweets of all kind play a fundamental role in Italian meals. The great classics, as panettone, pandoro and nougat, industrial Christmas desserts; in addition we…

8 ideas for a religious Christmas gift

8 ideas for a religious Christmas gift

Christmas, time for gifts. Actually, someone has already begun his rush to Christmas shopping; woe to those who find themselves unprepared, woe to those waiting till last minute, and make someone unhappy. It is such a pity that to some extent the fever for gifts risks poisoning the true meaning of the Ultimate Holiday. Giving gifts becomes almost an obligation, missing the meaning of love and attention to neighbors that should give a more authentic value to the gift. In the end, what really counts, is the thought, the feeling that’s within the gift, and, in case of believers, the spirituality shared by the giver and the receiver. There are many ideas for religious gifts that can help us rediscover the true meaning of the coming holidays. Ideas for young and old, precious, funny, small affectionate thoughts or important gifts, in which the value of the materials is tightly connected to the sacredness of the symbol.

Magnet with Nativity and angels
Magnet with Nativity and angels

 

 

 

If you have no time or chance to set up a proper nativity scene, here’s a nice auspicious magnet representing Nativity. It will bring Christmas atmosphere anywhere it will be placed.

 

 

 

Pink cloisonné rosary with heart-shaped beads
Pink cloisonné rosary with heart-shaped beads

 

 

 

A rosary is an always appreciated gift for those looking for a moment of thought and daily meditation in prayer. This one is a very nice small rosary made of red heart-shaped grains. It is hand made and painted, with the special tecnique called cloisonnè: a shape is made with metal thread, in this case it is a flower, then it is painted with colored varnish.

 

 

Rosary beads in Swarovski and sterling silver 6mm green
Rosary beads in Swarovski and sterling silver 6mm green

 

 

 

 

More sophisticated and elegant, this rosary in Swarovski crystal, embellished by a silver cross and wrapped in a gift box.

 

 

 

Bracelet with angel in white and yellow 750 gold 1.27gr
Bracelet with angel in white and yellow 750 gold 1.27gr

 

 

 

 

Another piece of jewelry, here is a beautiful bracelet with a medal representing Raphael’s angel. It is made with white and yellow 750/00 gold by an Italian jelwellers with more than sixty years of experience, and it stands out for the great sharpness of its details and the artisanal mastery that makes it a unique object.

 

 

 

Silver bracelet and gemstone
Silver bracelet and gemstone

 

 

 

Silver bracelet with hardstones (onix, mother-of-pearl, coral or turquoise) and rhinestone inserts. A sober and young-looking jewel, exquisitely crafted, decorated with a small silver cross.

 

Bracelet with key of life pendant in 18k gold 1,03 grams
Bracelet with key of life pendant in 18k gold 1,03 grams

 

 

 

 

 

Bracelet with a golden key of life, made by an Italian artisanal jewellers. Great elegance and precise engraving for a jewel of indescribable mystery.

 

 

 

Pendant the Hug
Pendant “the Hug”

 

 

 

Pendant L’Abbraccio (The Hug), in hypoallergenic steel. It is made of two intersected rings, with a prayer engraved on the surface. The pendant comes in a box along with the necklace.

 

 

Rosary ring in silver 925, MATER
Rosary ring in silver 925, MATER

 

 

 

 

A ring that definitely stands out, unique and precious, both for the material it is made of (925 silver), and for its meaning. It is the MATER rosary ring. MATER jewels were born as rosary rings, bracelets, rosaries and necklaces to be worn by everyone. They are characterised by a refined, elegant and solid styling, made of silver, entirely in Italy.

The birth of Baby Jesus: the deepest meaning of Christmas

The birth of Baby Jesus: the deepest meaning of Christmas

The Nativity of Jesus surely symbolizes the highest and most meaningful moment of the Christian calendar. Every year this miracle repeats itself, along with its promise of salvation. The statues of Baby Jesus that look upon us from nativity scenes in churches, squares and in…

The story of Saint Roch of Montpellier: French pilgrim and thaumaturge

The story of Saint Roch of Montpellier: French pilgrim and thaumaturge

Saint Roch of Montpellier has many traits in common with Saint Frances of Assisi, whom he whorshipped and fervently imitated. He came from a rich family too, was also very good-looking, had an active and rich mind, nurtured by university studies and a natural curiosity…

Embellish your nativity scene with a unique and original scenography

Embellish your nativity scene with a unique and original scenography

Since its first appearance in the popular tradition, the nativity scene has had the double meaning of deep and human expression of devotion, and work of art of absolute refinement and attention to details. Although the subjects represented were for the most part common men and women, often coming from the common people, while in others they were symbols made characters, the artisans  and the artists that made nativity scenes dedicated all their technical skills to create real masterpieces. Even the care for settings and scenographies has always been high and still today there are artisans who are faithful to the past ideology and are very much skilled, combining traditions and innovation, and dedicate their art to create objects and items of exquisitly manufactured and incredible scenic effects to embellish and enrich the modern nativity scenes.

Nativity accessory, greengrocer's stall 20x27x44cm
Nativity accessory, greengrocer’s stall 20x27x44cm

 

 

 

For example, let’s think about the food booths placed next to the barn. The fruit booth in particular is an astonishing example of miniature art, where every single tiny detail is represented with an extraordinary realism, from the leaves of vegetables lined by veining, to the shiny and juicy grapes, to the halved citruses that seem to be just about to pour some drops of their rich juice.

 

 

 

Nativity accessory, fishmonger's stall 20x22x40cm
Nativity accessory, fishmonger’s stand 20x22x40cm

 

 

 

 

Even the fish booth, handmade with wax, is a masterpiece of realistic details such as muscles, crustaceans and the single fish scales which look about to dart in their baskets.

 

 

 

Neapolitan Nativity village with grotto 110x80x60cm
Neapolitan Nativity village with grotto 110x80x60cm

 

 

 

Architecture plays a fundamental role in the creation of a nativity scene. You can choose to set your nativity in a lit village, with grotto and fountain, as it usually is in the Neapolitan tradition. It is a work of high level created entirely in Italy in Naples, by old school nativity artists. They used wood, moss and cork for a better realism. Attention to details here is impressive.

 

 

 

Arabian village in resin and cork
Arabian village in resin and cork

 

 

 

An alternative can be a beautiful Arabian setting, created with wood, moss and cork, with cupolas and arches, and all the typically Moorish architecture lines.

 

 

 

Illuminated nativity setting with stable, houses and mill 42x59x35cm
Illuminated nativity setting with stable, houses and mill 42x59x35cm

 

 

 

 

Again, a realistic popular setting. A peak animated by an endless, teeming life of tiny figures moving among huts and shops, and an actually working mill that seems to be watching over that animated scenario as a sentinel.

Christmas symbols and their meaning

Christmas symbols and their meaning

Christmas is the richest holiday in terms of sacred and profane symbolism, all intersected throughout centuries until they became an indissoluble and indistinguishable one. All Christmas symbols and the habits related to each one were preserved form generation to generation. From the Nativity to the…

The day Virgin Mary revealed herself to Bernadette Soubirous

The day Virgin Mary revealed herself to Bernadette Soubirous

Still today, those who visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where Marie-Bernarde Soubirous also known as Bernadette reported the miracolous visions of a “lady dressed in white”, experience a feeling of great holiness and intimate comfort. The niche where the visions appeared is at the top,…

The importance of the right background for your do-it-yourself nativity scene

The importance of the right background for your do-it-yourself nativity scene

The creation of a nativity scene is a moment of great creativity, which tests imagination and screening ability of those who make it.  Especially if you decide for a do-it-yourself nativity, where every single aspect of the scenography is the outcome of personal initiative, of choices made in order to obtain a precise and unique result, even the smallest detail becomes important.

In this case we are talking about an element that absolutely cannot be considered peripheral, but on the contrary becomes a key point for the final result we want to get: that is the nativity scene background.

There are many solutions to create the perfect background, and the ground where we will place the small statues that will bring our personal reconstruction of Nativity to life. Some may opt for a simple starry sky, obtained with an indigo cloth with little holes, and a light behind it.

But there are effective alternatives which are less laborious. Smooth or rough, porous or oiled paper that resemble the starry night, maybe with the guiding star in the middle, can be bought in stores and are easy to put on the wall where the nativity will be placed on. They are sold in sheets or rolls that can be easily unwrapped and fixed.

An effective alternative is landscapes, usually Arabian images, with palms, minarets, desert and oasis, all enveloped in the moonlight; but also mountain landscapes, hills and snowy peaks, small villages with sharp roofs covered by a white layer, and snowflakes dancing with stars on the background. These types of landscape backrounds are availabe also on cardboard and in the “tryptich” version, that is, the image is displayed on three coonnected panels that sorround the whole scene in an almost tridimensional frame.

Another option is basic cork panels, simpler to use and to customize, they recall rocks or embossed brick elements, which convey a better realism and a “rustic” effect of great charm.

5 good reasons to buy candles online

5 good reasons to buy candles online

We have already spoken in a previous article about the importance of candles in religious celebrations. At home, but particularly within churches and shrines, their light is a constant call to the Light of God, and in particular to the figure of Jesus, the Light of…

All you need to know about the hosts and particles

All you need to know about the hosts and particles

The host is a wafer of unleavened bread, made with wheat flour, usually circular in shape. The term ostia derives from the Latin hostia, “Sacrificial victim”, which used to indicate, in a generic way, a sacrifice made to a deity. In antiquity and until the…

Tips for facing the winter: infusions, herbal teas and syrup

Tips for facing the winter: infusions, herbal teas and syrup

Winter is a season that is beautiful in its own way, full of suggestive atmospheres, a unique light, a harsh climate, but one that evokes a desire for warmth and comforting intimacy, which inevitably takes us back to our childhood, when winter meant snowball fights and hot chocolate.

Sadly, we are no longer children, and certain aspects of this season are more of a nuisance than a pleasure. The low temperatures and humidity that characterise it put a strain on our body and our health. The immune system is constantly under attack, heating in homes and shops makes it very easy to catch a cold when you leave, and, in general, our energy languishes, and we feel the urgent desire to hibernate and wake up in the spring.

Even our mood is often conditioned by this state of affairs. Winter is characterised by fewer daylight hours, bad weather and coldness: there is no need to be meteoropathic to suffer from mood swings, anxiety and lethargy. It is a normal consequence of the climate, but sometimes this seasonal depression makes it laborious and very difficult to concentrate on studying, our job, or to calmly face everyday life.

There are many ways to overcome the winter season without losing our smile and, above all, our good health. We just have to adopt a few simple rules for life, such as avoiding having the heating too high, so we don’t feel the cold when we leave, to make sure that we have the right humidity in the home, so we don’t stress the mucous membranes too much and support the respiratory tract, maintaining regular hours, eating properly and don’t stop going out, to combat depression and keep sadness and fatigue away.

But there are also other, absolutely natural, aids that can help us avoid the ailments that affect the body and the spirit in winter, and get rid of them if we are already their prey.

I’m talking about herbs and spices, which are special and irreplaceable friends, grandmother’s remedies, but are always effective against colds, flu, coughs, as well as insomnia, sadness and anxiety.

Not to mention Christmas offers us countless opportunities to enjoy herbs and spices, as well as fragrant and exquisite ingredients to enrich our feasting! Who can resist the unmistakable aroma of cinnamon, cloves and ginger, not only as anti-flu remedies, but also as a comfort on colder days?

There are many medicinal herbs that can help us to strengthen our immune system and keep away seasonal ailments, and these can be taken in various forms, like herbal remedies, with extracts of their precious active ingredients, or, more trivially, in the form of teas, detoxifiers, etc.

What are the most useful medicinal herbs and plants in winter? How can they be used? How do you infuse them? Detoxifiers?

Let’s find out about just a few of them together.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a herbaceous plant that’s rich in beneficial principles that make it a genuine, natural antibiotic. In fact, echinacea is exceptional for strengthening the immune system, and for preventing and treating the symptoms of diseases like colds, coughs, and even fever. It is the roots that contain polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system by helping the natural defences.camaldoli aromatic syrup for children

Echinacea helps our body defend itself against infections by increasing the production of leukocytes (white blood cells) that attack and eliminate pathogenic microorganisms.

The plant is also rich in other components that have antibiotic, bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition to combatting diseases, echinacea is also effective against infections in general, particularly those in the urinary tract, like cystitis. It also has great healing properties, and is used to prepare soothing and anti-inflammatory ointments.

In addition to drops in the classic syrup, Echinacea can be taken as a herbal tea once or twice a day: just 1 teaspoon of dried Echinacea left to infuse for 5-10 minutes and we’ll be ready to face the winter!

Drosera (Sundew)

The sundew is a plant with a sour, bitter taste, but it too is very precious for fighting coughs and colds. Its leaves contain substances rich in anti-spasmodic anti-tussive and decongestant properties, Consumed as an infusion or drops, sundew leaves facilitate breathing, soothe coughs, have an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect on the bronchi, and are also good expectorants.

To prepare a sundew infusion, just pour a teaspoon of dried leaves into a cup of boiling water and leave to stand for 10 minutes. 4 cups a day of this filtered infusion will help the bronchi to function at their best.

Eucalyptus

camaldoli eucalyptus herbal tea From its leaves, an essential oil is extracted with incredible balsamic, fluidifying and expectorant properties, which have miraculous effects against cough, sinusitis and colds. Eucalyptus oil has an antibacterial and antiseptic action for urinary and genital infections too, such as cystitis, candida and leucorrhoea, as well as acting as an antiseptic for infections and skin lesions. It is even an excellent beauty product! It makes the skin luminous and the hair bright and shiny.

In this case too, we can prepare a good infusion from eucalyptus by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of eucalyptus leaves with a tablespoon of mallow leaves in 1 cup of water and leaving them to infuse for 10 minutes. This tea, once filtered, will be a precious ally for dissolving phlegm and fighting inflammations of the respiratory tract, allowing you to breathe better.

Fennel

Who doesn’t recognise the unmistakable taste of fennel seeds, which make bread and many other bakery preparations special and delicious? They are a little reminiscent of aniseed, but are sweeter, more delicate, and contain unexpected curative and preventive properties, which make them invaluable allies for preparing herbal teas with surprising effects.camaldoli fennel herbal

For starters, fennel seeds are high in fibre, and this characteristic makes them very useful to help food transit along the intestines, eliminate toxins and promote digestion. Drinking one cup of fennel tea after meals is a guarantee of good digestion and avoiding colic, swelling, and meteorism, even in young children. Just 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds left to infuse for 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water and then filtered and drunk without sweetening (the sugar causes fermentation).

In addition, the fibres contained in fennel seeds help us to control cholesterol, and clean up the walls of the arteries. This prevents cardio-circulatory diseases, like strokes and heart attacks, and, thanks to the potassium content in fennel seeds, helps keep blood pressure stable too.

Fennel has great diuretic and draining qualities, and is a useful ally against abdominal bloating.

High in antioxidants and flavonoids, fennel combats free radicals and has anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent and combat degenerative diseases, premature ageing and serious disorders such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease and even colon cancer.

Fennel seeds are also a very rich source of calcium and help our bodies produce more red blood cells.

Melissa (Lemon Balm)

camaldoli melissa herbal teaThe leaves of lemon balm are pleasantly fragrant and have a taste reminiscent of lemons. This is due to the oils they are rich in, which confer exceptional anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Melissa is therefore useful against abdominal pains, both those related to poor digestion, which lead to cramps, nausea and colitis, and due to menstruation as well. It exerts a powerful calming effect on the nervous and muscular system. With a relaxing and anxiolytic function, it calms the nerves, fights anxiety and helps us cope with difficult times.

To obtain an infusion of lemon balm that can be used to combat digestive problems, pains, nervousness, or even just to help us sleep better, simply put 1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves into 1 cup of boiling water, cover, leave to infuse for 10 min and strain.

Linden (Lime)

Always effective against digestive disorders and seasonal depression, Linden has a calming and relaxing effect. It fights anxiety, helps the stomach function well, relieves tension and promotes sleep. If winter oppresses you with excessive and often unjustified tiredness, linden, with its invigorating effect, can help you. Just put 1 tablespoon of leaves and flowers in 1 cup of water, covered and left to infuse for 10 min. This infused calm palpitations, tachycardia and nervousness and, drunk before going to sleep, has a relaxing function. Moreover, used as a tonic on the skin, it relaxes wrinkles and scars.

Liturgical candles: when and why they are important

Liturgical candles: when and why they are important

Light has always had a very deep and essential meaning for men. There is no religion that hasn’t made it a key element in its mythology, no civilization that hasn’t celebrated it as an assimilable, if not overlapping, element to the very concept of life.…

Prayer rings: a gift made with faith and love

Prayer rings: a gift made with faith and love

Among the sacred objects that can be worn, prayer rings deserve a special mention. The symbolism of the ring is complex and has its roots in ancient traditions, drawn from various cultures and civilizations. It seems that rings have been widespread since the Bronze Age,…

Electric candles: when a cult loses its sacredness

Electric candles: when a cult loses its sacredness

When we think of a church, the first image that is formed in our mind is probably that of a known religious building, with a bell tower, the Cathedral of our city, or perhaps a place of worship that is particularly dear to us for sentimental reasons. only ours. The second image, almost certainly, will be a nave immersed in the dim light, illuminated by the light that rains with polychrome glass and leaded windows, and, invariably, by the golden glow of countless lighted candles.

There is, in the infancy of every Christian, the memory of that golden light, similar to dissolved gold, the smell of wax, its consistency between the fingers when, regardless of the recommendations of parents and grandparents, we could not resist the temptation of touch the white and smooth stems of the candles, letting a few of those transparent and hot spills burn their fingers.

It was a moment of great sacredness, one in which, with the coin that had been delivered to us, and which we held in our fist like an inestimable treasure, we were given permission to light a candle in front of the altar of the Madonna, or of a saint particularly expensive. The only gesture of putting the offer into the slot, of hearing the jingle on the bottom of the box, had within itself the rituality of a sacrifice.

Then there was the choice of the candle, among the many that protruded from the container placed next to the rack encrusted with ancient wax. They were all the same, apparently, all beautiful, untouched, perfumed, but in our childish desire to do well, to please Jesus with our gift, we had to be sure to choose the right one, the best possible.

Lighting the candle in the church

After a long reflection, made our choice, it was the most exciting moment: you had to light the candle, brushing an already lit one with the wick, and then choose the position in which to put it inCandles the rack, the free anchor that, by position and angle , fulfilled our expectations. Because it was important that that candle, our candle, chosen with care and reasoning, paid with the offer that we ourselves had put in the box, was positioned appropriately, and burned by consuming itself in its own wax in order to offer the light more hot and beautiful. Only in this way would Jesus, or Our Lady, listen to our silent prayers, and have fulfilled our desires: protect mum and dad, protect grandmother, protect my friends, my dog, my hamster; let me be good at school and good with my classmates; stay near the night, when I’m afraid, in the dark.

This done, they could leave, but inevitably, as we walked the aisle held by the mother’s hand, our eyes continued to run to the candle, our candle, in its light wavering and weak, but unique, among all others, our personal gift to God.

Lighting a wax candle and placing it in front of an altar, a Virgin Mary statue, or a chapel is a complex ritual of great spiritual depth, and not just for children. In that apparently banal gesture all the expectations of the faithful are concentrated, his hopes, his expectations, for himself and for those who love. There is a profound meaning in entering church, stealing time from everyday life, from the rush that dominates our days, devoting a moment to this gesture, choosing the right candle, like when we were children, and lighting it, with the thought turned to God , and maybe even to our son who has to do a task in class, or someone we love who is experiencing a difficult time, or has health problems. Lighting a candle in the church is already in itself a prayer, which does not require words, does not even require to be formulated. It’s a way of saying: I’m here, just to do this, I came out of my life to enter this church, offer my time and my whole thought to this single gesture. The lighting of a candle in the church in front of a statue, an altar, a sacred image or the SS. Sacramento, is a manifestation of faith that leaves a tangible, visible sign. It is as if we, leaving the church, wanted to leave a part of us inside, to pray, to ‘burn’ with faith, with love, just like the flame of a candle. The offer that we leave is always accompanied by a request, of protection, of blessing, a small grace for us or for those we love.

Things are a little bit today.

Electronic chandeliers and new solutions adopted

LED candlesIn most modern churches, but also in historical churches, the wrought iron racks have been replaced by electronic chandeliers of various types. In some cases their appearance recalls that of the old candlesticks, with wrought iron decorations, but much more often the design is more modern and essential, linear and clean. All in the electronic chandeliers talk about efficiency, safety and cleanliness. Meanwhile, the sacristan or one for him, no longer has to worry about supplying the appropriate container with candles, or cleaning the terminals with wax dissolved and then solidified. Indeed, many electronic chandeliers are complete with a glass cover, which prevents anyone from touching the fake candles, and the dust from settling between them. Everything is cleaner, therefore, but above all there is no smoke or soot. Technology that is behind the LED candles guarantees respect for the environment and low consumption. Furthermore, these candlesticks are easy to use for the elderly and safe for children: just insert a coin in the appropriate box and an electric candle will light up. It is also true that electronic chandeliers discourage theft, being equipped with security locks that close the boxes of offers, and also acts of vandalism small and large. Certainly no one will be able to steal the candles just for fun, even if damage to an electronic candlestick will certainly be more salty to pay than that done to a rack of wrought iron. But the proposals do not end here, if you think that the flame of a traditional candle has its charm, new solutions of LED technology also present candles with a flickering flame. I’m rechargeable led candles, suitable for any indoor environment, easy and safe to use.

 

Led candles: advantages and solutions

There are also more modern and technological models, in which the box for offers has been replaced by a touch screen monitor with a display on which to swipe your credit card. That’s right: no coin slot, but a practical and functional computerized system, where supply is not free, and where, instead of focusing on why you went to church to light a candle, you can read about it monitor a whole series of information on the services offered in the sanctuary, from the prices of the masses, to the fundraisers.

And here we want to stop for a moment.

It makes no sense to oppose progress, to reject the undoubted advantages it brings to us all, in every field, in every aspect of our existence. But perhaps it would be worth taking a moment to reflect. It is undoubted that the electric candles they offer an ecological and clean alternative to old wax candles, making the work of the cleaning staff easier and the neatness of the glance for those entering the church.

It is also true that for years there are excellent wax candles designed specifically for not soiling. That’s right: even if they are tilted, they do not drip, avoiding useless spills of liquid wax, encrustations, dirt, but keeping all the suggestion of the live flames, real, their pulsating heat, the vibrant expression of their life. A solution of this kind can be a reasonable middle ground. These non-dripping candles are also perfect for processions: they can be held in hand, moved, tilted, and do not let the wax fall on the skin or on the church floor.

Another alternative are the liquid wax candles, powered by refillable cartridges, also clean, safe, beautiful to behold.

The very important thing, however, in lighting a candle, whether wax, electronic, paid with the coins taken from the piggy bank, or with a credit card, is the meaning of the gesture itself, and there is no doubt that modern solutions , although functional and non-polluting, they appear to be a little weak on the aesthetic and symbolic level. It is true that an offer is made, in the name of a blessing or a grace, and it is true that a light is turned on, even if it is LED and automatic. The gestures are different, the effect is different, and maybe it’s just that part of us that remembers the smell of wax, the feeling that gave the smooth and intact candles with the fingers, to regret the old racks in wrought iron, with dusty curls blackened by soot, decorated with formidable wax sculptures that were melted and then clotted, which we enjoyed untangling and bringing home.

It is likely that the fate of candles in the church is inevitably to change, to follow technological progress and to offer higher standards of comfort, safety and efficiency. But many of us, inevitably, entering a church, will still seek the old racks, with their load of hopes and promises, their forest of dancing lights, unequal candles, each unique, unrepeatable, as is every prayer, as it is every man, woman, child who turns to God.