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Sunday, May 2, 2010

Visit the Shrine of St. Benedict's Open Door - Rio Caldo

The Shrine of St. Benedict's Open Door originated in a chapel built on the site, circa 1640, whose doors were always open to provide shelter to those who passed.

The construction of the current sanctuary began in 1880 and was completed in 1895, is characterized by tile panels of the chancel, depicting the life of St. Benedict, as well as the altarpiece of gilded wood.

The large number of pilgrims prompted the construction of new facilities near the original sanctuary, whose works were completed in 2002, which is part of a ward to care for pilgrims, with 14 beds.

There is also a park with tables and benches, where pilgrims can relax, dine and even fun in a lake with boats.


The Cult of St. Benedict in Rio Caldo, originated by the influence of the monks of Santa Maria de Bouro. According to tradition the original chapel had a porch, as most of the chapels of the hills and he always kept the doors open to provide shelter for passersby. The result was the appointment of Sao Bento da Porta Aberta.


Panels Tiles

The tile panels of the sanctuary, were painted by Cherub Lapa, and portray the life of St. Benedict.
At first we see the monk Romão to deliver food to S. Benedict, who for three years remained isolated in a cave on Mount Subiaco, the 60Km. Rome, in prayer and meditation.

The second panel shows us how S. Benedict goes beyond the temptations through sacrifice ("threw himself naked in the middle of a thicket of thorns") and prayer. This is an essential part of the lives of monks and the "rule of St. Benedict."

The following panel narrates the episode of sickle, lost in the lake, which was recovered by S. Benedict: sickle plunged the cable that was to meet him and could therefore, the monk to continue working. The work is a component of the Benedictine rule, alluded to the right side of this panel.

The fourth panel presents two episodes from the life of the Holy. The first episode of the poisoned bread and Crow (See "The Saint") and the second related to the history of rock that was impossible to remove from where it was found (the monks have attributed this to the presence of the devil). Only with the intervention of S. Benedict, who launched his blessing on it was possible to achieve their removal.

In the following panel is depicted the encounter between Totilo and S. Benedict. Totilo, king of the Ostrogoths, who took and sacked Rome in 547, attempted to deceive the Holy and ordered a security officer who dressed your clothes and meet with S. Benedict, like the king himself. But it was recognized immediately and returned to tell Totilo what had happened.
The sixth panel resembles the appearance no one knows how, two hundred measures of flour in sacks, the door of the convent, while the region of Campania faced a severe shortage of food deprivation and the Friars went into your food. On the right panel appears a reference to the famous monastery of Einsiedeln, Switzerland, great center of culture and great importance in expanding the Benedictine spirit.

The revelation of plans for the construction of the monastery of Terracina is portrayed in the next panel. S. Benedict sends brothers to this city in order to build a monastery and assures them that he will give them all necessary information. In fact, in a dream are revealed all building plans. The right side shows the "Rule", which describes the actions and procedures of the monks, and whose motto is "Ora et Labora," Pray and Work.

The eighth panel presents the final meeting of S. Benedict with his sister, Scholastica, during which occurred the miracle of the storm. To claims of his sister, so that this gathering is prolonged, S. Benedict reacted negatively. He succeeded, however, a violent storm, which prevented the Saint returned to his convent and left her sister.
The table presents the following panel, reflects the vision starring S. Benedict, when, at night, standing at her window, saw the world as they gathered in a single ray of light and soul of the bishop of Capua, Germano, be conducted by an angel, toward heaven. Reference on the right side, to St. Cecilia, patron saint of music and the Benedictine Abbey of Solesmes, where he developed the Gregorian chant and whose library had extraordinary collections of musical manuscripts.

The last panel refers to the death of S. Benedict announced in advance, by himself, to his disciples. Death is not the end but the beginning of the evangelizing action. Currently, S. Benedict is known as the patriarch of the West and the "Father of Europe".

1 comment:

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