Hi all...I'm back from my school trip to Italy where we studied the transition from the medieval into renaissance by means of art, politics, religion, and literature. Florence is beautiful but it was slightly unnerving to go into a realm of Catholics, we did most of our studying and lecture in cathedrals which were an amazing experience but left me with a funny feeling that I may be struck dead at any moment.
It was an unforgettable experience to witness the beauty of the Catholic faith that is rarely (at least where I'm from) displayed. The media and people look at the politics of the church and I'll admit that they're not pleasant. But the actual faith...the men and women who devote their lives to Jesus. That is something powerful.
I experienced my first Catholic mass at the Duomo in Florence and a sweet priest came up to our group and welcomed us. When time came for the communion, the priest walked down the middle of the aisle wrapping his arms around the gold plate and chalice with such love and joy: like the most important thing for him to be doing was to carry these symbols. That is what I loved about Italy. And it gave me time to reflect and soak in the realities of what Faith truly is: love.

Do any of you have similar experiences?

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was that my life
looking back now
so fast we run
that we forget
to stop and dance
RFV

Unfortunately I have not had the same experiences as you with the Catholic faith. Not have I ever left the USA, so my travels are somewhat limited.

Do you have pictures you would be willing to share? I have to do my traveling though others for now.

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

Yes, PoetsFaith I too have experienced this love...not just from Cathlic's, but also from Christian's and other religions. It is this deep love that is sensed by our heart that is beyond concepts and ideas, rituals and appearances. It is a love the invites all and is not limited to anything or anyone. Thank you for sharing : )

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May your awareness be perfection