At the Top of the Stairs

Saturday I visited the monastery of San Marco where Beato Fra Angelico (Patron Saint of the Arts) painted abundant frescoes that adorn the walls. Each cell of the monks has one of his meditations on the life of Christ, including his baptism, and many of his crucifixion.

It was a treat to visit because years ago when I spent a few days in Florence Fra Angelico's work had been a true highlight, and to spend time soaking them in again refreshed the memory of taking them in the first time.

The monks cells are on the second floor, and as you go up the stairs you come to one of his most famous works, depicting the Annunciation. As I approached it a French family was in front of me, very visibly Catholic because I couldn't even count how many kids there were (5? 7? They would duck in and out from around the corner--and the littlest girl was on her daddy's shoulders) and they were animatedly describing their amazement at the image to their parents. Even the younger children were able to recognize what event was being depicted, and they were quite impressed at the picture.

Experiences like that have provided me with beautiful glimpses into the still living faith here in Europe. Coming out of daily Mass a parishioner will speak to me about the effort needed to strive to holiness; guests at dinner at my house will talk about their love for Gregorian Chant and how it draws them into the Mass; young people will line up for confessions at the cathedral--these are some of the many glimpses I have had reminding me that the Faith continues to spark new connections with Christ here where so many have come to know him over the centuries.