Sav's Sunday Post

[Savoia]

Why This Thread?

In recent decades, that which has been 'accepted European culture' for centuries, has come under attack — both from without and from within. Whether such attacks are 'justified' and whether or not we deserve the increasing betrayal against those values and virtues which have undeniably shaped our society, is open to debate.

Those who know me, will also know that I am very much an 'internationalist' being a composite of more than one European nationality in respect of my genealogy, and having lived for many years in various far-flung corners of the globe. This has led to a genuine appreciation of our world's diversity and for the uniqueness of its various cultures.

This recognition has in turn encouraged an increasing appreciation for my own cultural heritage, which both historically and factually, is Christian — and for which I make no excuse but instead celebrate with increasing gratitude.


Hughes 500D P2-AHN outside Manam Island Catholic Church, Papua New Guinea, in 1988

This shot was taken in 1988 when I was flying a contract with Rotorwork for one of the volcanological observatories in Papua New Guinea.

When it came to Sunday I wanted to attend Mass, and this was quite literally the only place to park!

[Savoia]

"If you believe that this world, its diversity, complexity and beauty, crowned with humanity's capacity for reasoning, perception, sensitivity, emotion and even spiritual awareness, are really the result of mere chance and evolution, then you need to slap yourself. Perhaps more than once." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


La Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui, Val di Funes, Alto Adige (Photo by Rainer Albrecht)

https://www.ranuihof.com/it/residenz...esettadiranui/

[Savoia]

"Despite their lack of faith, secular historians and social scientists alike, have for years argued that the greatest strength of the West, has been its Judaeo-Christian culture. It should stand to reason then, that the absence of such influence, would also be the West's greatest weakness? The same, I suggest, applies at an individual level." ― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


La Chiesa di San Nicolò in Merano, Bolzano

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duomo_di_Merano

[Savoia]

"I encourage you to embrace God, if for no other reason than to experience His love for you; for it is so deep and so sincere that you will never be the same again." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


Church of St. Nicholas in Ermoupoli, Syros Island, Greece

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermoupoli

[Savoia]

"Have you ever imagined encountering a significant turning-point, extraordinary opportunity or momentous breakthrough? If so, then I propose that Christ is such an encounter. For He is the turning-point, opportunity, breakthrough and ten thousand things besides. He leads us in pastures new, with faith, fruitfulness and deliverance from all manner of ills. He is the life-giving source who truly transforms." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljalandsfoss

[Savoia]

"I challenge you to consider what it would take for you to be completely convinced of God's love for you, and then within the bounds of your faith and the morals of God, to ask Him for that very thing." ― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Beach Chapel as seen in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius

[Savoia]

"When we establish our life on a foundation of faith and trust in God, it is akin to someone who has chosen to build their house on solid rock." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


Island Chapel in Greece

[Savoia]

"With but one life to live, it would be tragic beyond words if we never so much as investigated the possibility that God exists and is calling us to know Him. My prayer is that this will not be said of you." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini



Tre Cime di Lavaredo, in Auronzo di Cadore, Belluno (Photo by Fabrizio Massetti)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tre_Cime_di_Lavaredo

[Savoia]

"It is as we become aware of the sincerity and intensity of God's love for us, that our perspective on life begins to change; and this, so I have found, is always for the better". ― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Church of the Seven Martyrs in Sifnos, Greece

https://www.greeka.com/cyclades/sifn...seven-martyrs/

[Savoia]

"The hope which is given by God, is unlike anything this world offers, and ultimately leads to eternal life." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


La Chiesa di San Gennaro in Praiano, Italia

https://www.amalficoast.com/p/campan...t-gennaro-2093

[Savoia]

"The Holy Spirit is one of the most precious gifts which God can give, and also one of the most misunderstood."
― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Sunset over the San Juan Mountains in Colorado by Jack Brauer

[Savoia]

"God will be a refuge and defence to all who make the journey of discovery to find Him and to follow Him."
― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Cholula, Mexico (Photo by Peter K.)

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

[Savoia]

"Christ declared that the truth will set us free, and there is little doubt that this is so, but the path which leads to the truth can be difficult, for we must be willing to accept that some of our most fundamental perceptions, are in need of correction."
― Frate Luca Santamaria


Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, Braga, Portugal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctu...ady_of_Sameiro

[Savoia]

'Concerning Jesus, John the Baptist said, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it", and this remains true, no matter how great the darkness.' ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Mountain Chapel

[Savoia]

'In spite of our sins, God welcomes us with open arms when we turn to Him, and which is the essence of Christ's teaching in His parable of the prodigal son.' ― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Agios Stylianos in Firá, Santorini (Photo by Ellen Moreira)

https://www.greeka.com/cyclades/sant...tholic-church/

[Savoia]

"The opportunity of being reconciled with God and offered the hope of eternal life is a privilege which is unique to this life. I urge you with all my heart, not to misspend it." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


The Church of the Prophet Elijah in Lavrio, Attica, Greece (Photo by Nikos Pantazis)

[Savoia]

"The changes coming upon this world, will favour those who are adequately prepared, and if you want to be prepared, then it is first necessary to make peace with God." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Cappella degli Alpini in Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Belluno (Photo by Tomas van der Weijden)

https://accidentallywesanderson.com/...-degli-alpini/

[Savoia]

"The splendour of creation, in all it's magnificent diversity, is one of God's signs to mankind. He is letting us know we are here by design and not by default." ― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Reyniskirkja Church, Vik, Iceland (Photo by Kevin McNeal)

https://accidentallywesanderson.com/...kirkja-church/

[Savoia]

"For the believer, in times of chaos, the cross of Christ is a sea of calm." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


La croce degli Schützen tirolesi Nago-torbole, Trentino

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nago%E2%80%93Torbole

[Savoia]

"In a reflection of His own nature, God endowed us with the capacity to create beauty; and the greatest beauty we have the ability to create, is the manner in which we love one another." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Ullensvang Church in Vestland County, Norway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ullensvang_Church

[Savoia]

"Whatever you may fear about being in a relationship with God, cannot compare with the consequences of being distant from Him."
― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


The Dormition Cathedral in Smolensk, Russia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormit...al_in_Smolensk

[Savoia]

"People generally avoid climbing the mountain if what they need can be found in the valley. But there are times when the valley fails to deliver and there is no choice but to go higher. Today, God calls you to the higher ground, that place where He desires you to encounter Him." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


La Chiesetta di San Romerio in Val Poschiavo, Switzerland

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Romerio

[Savoia]

"We may ignore, but never evade the presence of God. This world is His creation and He is everywhere present." ― CS Lewis


Holy Trinity Church, Gergeti, Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gergeti_Trinity_Church

[Savoia]

'The beauty which exists in this world, is not by coincidence but by design. Your life is the same, and has been given to you that you may discover God, and from that place of relationship with Him, bring His love into the lives of others.' ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Chiesa di Colle Santa Lucia in Veneto

Chiesa di Colle Santa Lucia

[Savoia]

'That great father of the church, St. Augustine, once wrote "Our hearts are restless, until they find their rest in you O' Lord" and which I have found to be completely true.' ― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Chiesa di St. Primož and Felicijan in Jamnik, Slovenia

https://www.visitkranj.com/en/sights/jamnik/

[Savoia]

"If you determine to trust Him, then God will most assuredly sustain you when the trials of life come." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


Chiesa di Santa Maddalena, Versciaco di Sopra, Bolzano, Italia

https://www.pfarrei-innichen.com/it/...-maddalena.php

[Savoia]

"This life, is to a large extent, a test. And though it may be difficult for some to believe, if we pass this test, the rewards will far outweigh even the worst of our sufferings." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


La Chiesetta di San Giovanni a Ranui, Alto Adige

La Chiesetta di San Giovanni

[Savoia]

"Because love is not something to be forced, God may seem aloof. But He waits each day to see if we will think upon Him or perhaps even search for Him. His promise, if we do, is that He will allow Himself to be found; and what joy awaits the soul that finds God."
― Frate Sebastiano Monticelli


Holy Trinity and St. Jonah's Monastery in Kiev

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinit...y_of_St._Jonas

[Savoia]

"The wise will understand that this life, from beginning to end, is a war, and that some of the battles we face can never be won outside of a relationship with God." ― Frate Luca Santamaria


Austrian mountain chapel

[Savoia]

"A new year awaits, doubtless filled with joys and sorrows, with triumphs and trials, for such is the nature of this life. But when you embrace Christ, your joys will endure and your sorrows be lightened, your triumphs viewed with humility and your trials endured by His grace." ― Frate Giacomo Ambrosini


Salzburg Cathedral in Austria

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzburg_Cathedral