Continuity- Haiku 202 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:,
***Featured Doors*** Main entrance, Catania Cathedral Sicily, Italy. Image credit: ©Vladimir Zhuravlev | Dreamstime

continuity’s flow

framing what remains of the past

as miracles, doors

*

Constructed in the Baroque style and situated atop ancient Roman Baths The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Agatha (Catania Cathedral) has evolved through various iterations since the 10th century, the current facade and featured doors of the structure date back to 1711.

View from the central square, Catania Cathedral, Sicily, Italy. Image credit: © Boggy | Dreamstime

The ***Featured Doors** are comprised of thirty-two intricately sculpted wood tiles, portraying the Popes and bishops who played crucial roles in the diverse building eras of Catania Cathedral. The last row of these thirty-two panels vividly illustrates the life, work, and miracles attributed to the cathedral and the city’s patron saint—Saint Agatha (AD 251).

Surrounding the door are marble columns upcycled from, some say, the Roman Amphitheatre ruins, a stone’s throw away.

One of the vertical marble pieces above the door frame survived intact from a previous iteration of the cathedral and was placed above the Central entrance door according to the 1711 architect…” as an element of continuity with the past.”

Trivia #1

Saint Agatha, the city of Catania and the Cathedral’s patron saint has been credited with miraculously safeguarding the city for centuries. Most notably, between AD 252 and 1886, Catania averted the threat posed by flowing lava from Mount Etna eruptions (34 km or 21 miles away) on more than fifteen separate occasions.

Furthermore, it is believed that Saint Agatha’s protection of the city has extended to numerous unexplained rescues.

For example: in AD 535, Catania was spared from the advancing Ostrogoth marauders. In 1231, Catania somehow evaded the relentless onslaught of Frederick II. And in 1575 and 1743, The Plague inexplicably and quickly released its grip on the city.

Catania’s annual tribute to the city’s unwavering faith in Saint Agatha’s protection, the Saint Agata Festival, will take place next week on February 5.

Trivia #2: Catania, Sicily, has played a prominent role as a filming location for several blockbuster films, including The Godfather movies (1972, 1990) and Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith (2005).

A wider-angle image of Catania Cathedral, Sicily at dusk is below:

Catania Cathedral, Catania, Sicily. Image credit: © Olgacov | Dreamstime

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Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

56 thoughts on “Continuity- Haiku 202 #ThursdayDoors”

  1. Catania also called the black city
    Brushed by the sea on its eastern side and dominated by Mount Etna – rich in history and miracles – doors- beautifully framed haiku.
    I’m not surprised to read that the city is home to the oldest university in the world, built way back in the 1400’s.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes they have the forces of two great natural formations at their door. Absolutely one of the oldest universities in Italy and a seat of learning.
      Framed is indeed their legacy and expectations, perhaps. Their faith abounds, it seems to me. What a place to live!
      Peace be your fortress!

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      1. Oh yes you so beautifully expressed it Poet.
        And the revered life of the 20 year old virgin and her works engraved upon doors.
        Unquestioning faith they carved a legacy. Indeed, Sicily in Italy which in modern life was ravished by the covid pandemic. Many old people died. Today they are calling young people from all over the world to help build up old Italy again.
        Thank you Poet.
        Wish you a good new month.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Indeed they have. Italy and New York besides China were the first countries to be hard hit by the pandemic.
        I’ve read in one or two newspaper articles that the country is making it easier for young people to come and work there
        You are most welcome. Cheers.

        Liked by 2 people

      8. It is, thank you for asking. Although it freezes, inbetween there is no picture only sound, in that case I have to pull the plugs and reset. My TV has seen better days. Watched the main gist for the night and my emotions are all over the place. I hope it will be resolved early in the day.

        Liked by 1 person

      10. Yes, I have to jump out of bed everytime …lol..
        The TV started malfunctioning in the week before the show started. It cut out and wouldn’t reboot. I asked my family to scout for a new one. The week the show started was to busy for all of us. For most part of this week it was fine. Then last night I first thought it was a technical glitch because biggies voice just cut out and only after a while I realised of course it’s on my side that the picture froze. So of course I had to pull the plugs.
        We will have to see, scout around. Streaming is very expensive.

        I hope so too. There are so many angles.
        Thank you and blessings.

        Liked by 1 person

      12. Thank you. It’s been a hectic week for everyone in the house. After such a brilliant performance and winning the wager, they couldn’t go slow on the drinks. This book is like none other and unfortunately we lost one already. Like Mcjunior says there is lack of love and empathy. Although he has lack of that for Sinaye…. lol… cant stand to be around him.
        Oh it looks like I will need to fork out for a new TV.

        Liked by 1 person

      14. Most definitely, we beginning to feel their pronounced energy and dominant character colours.
        Yes Mac is also observant and sees everytime. I trust he won’t throw caution to the wind.

        Liked by 1 person

      16. Oh thanks for the blessings. Jetpack is giving me a headache today. I’m writing, uploading pics and editing them it’s taking forever. It could also be my internet that is slow.
        We have no word from production and patiently waiting. I was hoping that it would be resolved before 12.00hrs…lol.
        Thank you Poet. Have a blessed Friday too.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Pingback: Continuity – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors – Suzette B’s Blog | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  6. I am flabbergasted at this cathedral. Baroque Building is new to be. it is stunning. the door is so beautiful. and this is also my first time seeing the Thursday wed badge. I love that photo so much

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is an super amazing building with incredible marble columns and ornate finery. I agree it is mind-boggling.
      I love the new ThursdayDoors badge too!! Such a peaceful view with lush greenery. Glad you enjoyed the share. Have a good one!

      Like

  7. These are beautiful doors, Suzette. I love your haiku, and I really enjoyed the history, today. There was a Saint Agatha church in the town I grew up in. Not one that we attended, but I always wondered about the name. It was good to finally learn the interesting history behind it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Dan. It is a pleasure to delve into the stories of these great buildings and their doors. I’m delighted that you found a good purchase in your read today and that it connected relatable. Blessings!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Awesome! Good to hear! It is a spectacular place. I did not mention the interior but it is from the photos, pretty amazing inside as well. Hope your day is well, Maggie. Thank you for your support. Cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

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