Matera, a city in the province of Matera, is in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. This extraordinary place is known as the “Underground City.” In 2019, Matera was declared a European Capital of Culture. In our time together today, we take the opportunity to discover the city’s Sassi, the Rupestrian Churches, as well as the cisterns. Rulers from outside have come and gone, but Matera has rem

The name Bamiyan means “the place of shining light.” Embraced by the Hindu Kush Mountains, Bamiyan is situated on the flat, broad, fertile plains and flanked by high stone cliffs. The city was a busy layover point for merchants on their trips some 1,500 years ago, bringing together diverse cultures from Greece, Turkey, Persia, China, and India. These merchants also brought with them their Faith. B

Many unique artistic paintings and sculptures can be found in different parts of Pashupatinath Temple. Gilded images of magnificently crafted deities stand on both sides of each door. Every beam of the roof is intricately sculpted. “The roof of the Lord Pashupatinath Temple is supported by Tudal (wooden carved struts). These are artistic in nature. Some depict stories related to Mahabharata – the

Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan, just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Kathmandu, is Pashupatinath Temple. Also known as “The Temple of Living Beings,” it is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal. The majestic temple is dedicated to a manifestation of Lord Shiva called Lord Pashupatinath, also known as “Lord of Animals.” Dating back to 400 BC, this Hindu temple is the ol

Situated inland between China and India, Nepal is home to eight of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha to the locals. The Himalayan views, charming hillside villages, golden temples, and jungle wildlife combine to make a popular tourist attraction, and the many visitors boost this lovely country’s economy. “Bagmati River is the source of the civilization of

Welcome to “Ephesus: A Glimpse Into Millennia Past.” Every year on this day, August 15th, pilgrims travel to the historical city of Ephesus and visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary in observance of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Situated in modern-day Turkey, Ephesus has a past that goes back thousands of years, and has played an important role not only in Christianity, but in ancient

Four thousand years ago, a small port town was founded on the Euphrates River. The humble Babylon grew into one of the largest cities of its time, eventually serving as the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a beautiful, mighty center of art, architecture, and science. Home to the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as an important reflection of ancient Mesop

Peru’s distinct heritage has shaped a country where the people’s well-being and harmony with nature is treasured. Around 600 years ago, the Incas were the largest civilization in South America. In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and in 2007, it was voted one of the New7Wonders of the World by Swiss corp

Situated in the middle of the bay less than half a mile off the northwestern coast of Normandy, Mont-Saint-Michel seemingly floats like a mirage on the horizon. Each year, more than three million pilgrims and tourists flock to this World Heritage Site, recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, for its natural beauty, architectural splendor, and

Rich in culture and tradition, Jongmyo Jerye is the only royal Confucian ritual in the world inherited and performed with such authenticity. The Jongmyo Jerye is called a composite art, combining ritual, music, song, and dance. Its ritual music has a special meaning for Koreans. The music was composed by His Majesty King Sejong the Great, who is still highly respected as the greatest king in Korea

In the midst of downtown Seoul stands a woodland, untouched by the busy city, as tranquil as if time has stood still. Here rests Jongmyo Shrine, the most sacred place of worship in Korea for the past 600 years. Jongmyo is a temple that enshrines the spirits of the 25 kings that ruled Korea during the Joseon dynasty. In December 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural organiz

Considered an extremely impressive, if not perplexing, feat of ancient engineering, with construction comparable to the pyramids of Egypt or Stonehenge in England. Included in the listing are the surrounding regal gardens at the base of the monolith, which have a complex system of aqua engineering complete with dams, locks, canals, bridges, and fountains. In Sigiriya, the Mirror Wall creates shimm

Sigirya was named as a World Heritage Site in 1982. The reason behind this was that Sigiriya is considered as a significant site, not only in Sri Lanka, but in the whole world. Sigiriya is so important to Sri Lankans because of its murals. These murals can be mentioned as the earliest evidence of Sinhalese painting methods in Sri Lanka. The fortress of Sigiriya has gardens that are amongst the old

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who selflessly came to this world over 500 years ago as a Messenger of God. His teachings emphasize that spiritual freedom is found in the discovery of the soul through contacting the voice of truth within, and not through pilgrimage. Still, the site of Gurdwara Janam Asthan holds a significant meaning in the hearts of the Sikh devotees. The birthplaces evoke a nearness to t

Since around AD 600, the pre-Hispanic Mayan farming village of Joya de Cerén slept undisturbed beneath thick layers of ash four to eight meters deep. offering us a unique window into the past. With much of the Joya de Cerén yet to be excavated, each new discovery provides evidence of the ancient Mayans’ wealth of wisdom. The investigations tell us a story of a very well organized and spiritual far

When I look at my cathedral, I think how much faith was needed so that those people could work, break stones, sculpt, to make such a masterpiece. It represents faith. That’s why I say: The cathedral is a place of prayer. All these stones breathe the faith of those who worked on them. It’s a bit like in icon theology. People who made icons, they prayed, the icon is consecrated. When you pray before

We had the honor of learning more about the Note-Dame de Paris from the Reverend Monsignor Patrick Chauvet. Monsignor Chauvet recalls some memorable moments from the long life of Notre-Dame de Paris. The vows of Louis XIII are an important moment that still resonates today, because every August 15th, we reiterate Louis XIII’s vows. Another memorable time at Notre-Dame of Paris was when Napoleon Bo

Situated at the center of Paris, France, Notre-Dame de Paris is celebrated as one of the finest exemplars of French Gothic architecture. The cathedral's name means “Our Lady of Paris” and was constructed in dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary. When was the cathedral built? The first stone was laid in 1163! And they say it took 107 years to build the cathedral. They started with the choir, which

The Benedictine Abbey of Admont was founded in 1074 by Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg. It is now the oldest remaining monastery in Styria, Austria, and one of the largest neo-Gothic sacred buildings in the country. The name Admont comes from the Latin word “ad montes,“ which means “at the mountains.” Situated amidst the gorgeous mountains of Gesäuse National Park, the magnificent Admont Abbey glor

The lines and geoglyphs of Nazca and Palpa are a remarkable work of art left by ancient inhabitants of that region. The archeological site holds significant historical, spiritual, and cultural value. It represents an extraordinary manifestation of a shared religious and social practice that has lasted an impressive period of time. Let us act now to preserve and protect the precious archeological g