ChristianVoiceMonthly.com
Volume 26 | Issue 05
FAITH & FOOTPRINTS
Page 17
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Holy House Of Loreto – Loreto, Italy With May being the month of celebrating our mothers, it would be fitting to recognize the most holy of mothers: the mother of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary. There are multitudes of churches, cathedrals and holy sites around the world honoring the Virgin Mary, but one of the most visited sites in the world is the Holy House of Loreto. This location is considered a Marian shrine, which is a site marking an apparition or other miracle attributed to the Virgin Mary. People all over the world have journeyed to the Holy House of Loreto since the 14th century to stand inside the walls where reportedly the Virgin Mary was born, raised and greeted by the angel Gabriel. The story told over the years is that angels carried the Holy House from Palestine to Italy. While there many doubt the legend’s authenticity, historic documents may have vindicated this—with an ironic twist. The Holy House reportedly arrived in Loreto, Italy on December 10, 1294 from the Holy Land as the Crusaders were driven out of Palestine. In 1900, documents were discovered in the Vatican Archives, stating that in the 13th century, a wealthy Byzantine family rescued “materials” of “Our Lady’s House” from Muslim invaders and then had them transported to Italy. This Byzantine family was named Angeli, which means ‘angels’
in Greek and Latin. A coin minted by a member of the Angeli family was also found in the foundation of the house in Loreto. In Italy, coins were often inserted into a building’s foundation to indicate who was responsible for its construction. Excavations in both Nazareth and Loreto found similar building materials at both sites—Palestine and Loreto. The stones that make up the lower walls of the Holy House in Loreto appear to have been finished with a technique particular in Palestine. At both locations, there are almost identical inscriptions in Greek and Hebrew letters that read, “O Jesus Christ, Son of God.” The Holy House is encased in marble in the center of the basilica and is 31 feet long and 13 feet wide. Inside the Holy House is the famous statue of the Black Madonna. Over the centuries, countless pilgrims have visited Loreto, including many saints. There have also been many miracles and conversions. The Holy House of Loreto, unlike many other shrines, is under the direct authority and protection of the pope. To view a documentary on the Holy House, visit YouTube and search for ‘The Mystery of the Holy House.’
Live Like You Mean It ... Is Anxiety A Sin?
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). Recently, I have been anxious more than usual. It is a disquieting realization given my track record as a markedly mellow human being. There is ample reason to account for this, but there is even more reason to live without anxiety. I know I have been dealing with an unreasonable amount of stress, change and uncertainty from Rebekah’s retirement to my parents’ growing needs and more. However, given the way I write
about faith, it would be easy to conclude my current distress amounts to a lack of faith. Surely, if all I write is true, this level of distress must be contrary to an active Christian life? Did not Jesus himself— and, later, Paul—teach that worry is a sin? “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,” (Matthew 6:25). However, Jesus teaches that we are not to give up, not to be defeated nor incapacitated by anxiety. We are not to step away from the truth that “in all these things we are more than conquer-
ors through him who loves us,” (Romans 8:37). I am learning that the invitation of Jesus is to allow God’s love and presence to be our central truth. I need not be embarrassed by anxiety, but instead I need to allow Jesus to minister peace: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you,” (1 Peter 5:7). What I find, even in the middle of this pit of my stomach’s emotional turmoil, is the same testimony Paul gave, that “[God’s] grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
By Derek Maul
Because even when my inner being is tied up in knots, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness,” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Peace to you all, in absolutely every way. – DEREK Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com
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