Thursday, October 8, 2020

Italy—4

This blog covers five ecclesiastic provinces in the administrative regions of Lazio, Marche, and Umbria in Central Italy.

11-6-2019—Italy 1
11-13-2019—Italy 2
10-1-2020—Italy 3

Papal See of Rome

The province consists of the Administrative Region of Lazio and part of Umbria. The Diocese of Rome was established by St. Peter in the First Century. The Bishop of Rome is the Pope, whose other titles include Vicar of Jesus Christ, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, and Archbishop and Metropolitan of the ecclesiastical Province of Rome. The Diocese of Rome consists of most of the City of Rome as well as Vatican City. The Vicariate of Rome consists of most of the City of Rome and the Vicariate of the Vatican City consists of two parishes in Vatican City. Both are headed by a Vicar General who is also a Cardinal.

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran is the Cathedral for the Pope as Bishop of Rome. Also known as St. John Lateran or the Lateran Basilica, it is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major basilicas—all in Rome. It is the oldest church in Europe.

The property once belonged to the Lateranus family, but was given to the Pope by the Emperor Constantine I in the early 4th Century. The Basilica and adjacent Lateran Palace were dedicated in 324. (The dedication day of November 9 is a feast day on the Catholic liturgical calendar.) The Basilica became the Cathedral for Rome and the Palace became the Papal residence until the Popes moved to France in 1309. Both the Basilica and Palace suffered major damage over the centuries and were rebuilt. After 1309, they suffered from neglect and from fires during the next few centuries until Sixtus V (Pope from 1585-1590) began reconstruction, which continued into the 18th Century. The Lateran has hosted five ecumenical councils and all popes were enthroned here until 1870. During the Second World War, Pope Pius XII used the Lateran as a safe haven for Jews and other refugees hiding from German Nazis and Italian Fascists.

Innocent X, Pope from 1644 to 1655, hired Francesco Borromini, to direct renovations. Borromini’s plan included twelve niches which were eventually filled with statues of the Apostles created by several Rococo sculptors between 1705 and 1718. Clement XII, Pope from 1730 to 1740, hired Alessandro Galilei to design the neo-classical façade. The façade is topped with statues of Jesus and the Apostles. The bronze doors come from the Roman Senate House in the Forum. The interior features mosaics and frescoes from ground to ceiling. The main altar contains a small altar used by St. Peter and the tabernacle incorporates a fragment of the table used by Our Lord at the Last Supper.

The Lateran has six papal tombs. It used to have the tombs of twelve additional popes, but these were destroyed by 14th Century fires. St. Cyprian is also buried in the Basilica. Other noteworthy structures include the 4th Century baptistery and the Lateran Obelisk, originally erected in Egypt in the 14th Century BC. The obelisk was brought to Rome in 357 and erected in the Circus Maximus. It was brought to its present location in 1588. The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) were brought to Rome by St. Helena in 326. These stairs once led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem and thus were climbed by Our Lord during his Passion.

The first picture is from Flickr and the rest are from Wikipedia.

The Province of Rome has both suburbicarian dioceses (those that are nearest or adjacent to Rome) and suffragan dioceses. The suburbicarian dioceses have traditionally been led by Cardinal Bishops.

The Province has seven suburbicarian dioceses, all in Lazio.

The Diocese of Ostia was established in the 3rd Century.
The Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufina was established as the Diocese of Porto in the 3rd Century and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Frascati was established in the 3rd Century.
The Diocese of Albano was established in 326.
The Diocese of Palestrina was established in the 4th Century.
The Diocese of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto was established as the Diocese of Forum Novum in the 5th Century and acquired its current name in 1925.
The Diocese of Velletri-Segni was established as the Diocese of Velletri in 450, was suppressed in 1150, restored in 1914, and acquired its current name in 1986.

The Province has 12 suffragan dioceses in Lazio.

The Archdiocese of Gaeta was established as the Diocese of Formia in 303 and became an archdiocese in 1848.
The Diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno was established in the 1st Century as the Diocese of Terracina and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Tivoli was established in the 2nd Century.
The Diocese of Sora-Cassino-Aquino-Pontecorvo was established as the Diocese of Sora in the 3rd Century and acquired its current name in 2014.
The Diocese of Anagni-Alatri was established in 480 as the Diocese of Anagni and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Rieti was established in the 5th Century.
The Diocese of Viterbo was established in the 6th Century.
The Diocese of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino was established as the Diocese of Veroli in 740 and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Civita Castellana was established in 990.
The Diocese of Civitavecchia-Tarquinia was established in the 3rd Century as the Diocese of Civitavecchia, was suppressed in 1093, and restored in 1825. It acquired its current name in 1986.
The Territorial Abbacy of Montecassino was established as a diocese in 450, was suppressed in 500, restored in 529, suppressed again in 580, became an abbacy nullius in 718, a diocese in 1322, before finally becoming a territorial abbacy in 1367.
The Territorial Abbacy of Subiaco was established in the 11th Century.

These dioceses in Umbria are immediately subject to the Pope.

The Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia was established as the Diocese of Spoleto in the First Century, became an archdiocese in 1821, and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Orvieto-Todi was established in 590 as the Diocese of Orvieto and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia was established as the Diocese of Terni in 140, was suppressed in 550, restored in 653, suppressed again in 760, restored again in 1218, and acquired its current name in 1986.

Province of Fermo

The province consists of the southern portion of the Administrative Region of Marche. The Diocese of Fermo was established in the 3rd Century and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1589.

The Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in Fermo was built beginning in 1227 and was extensively altered in the 18th Century in a neoclassical style. The white Istrian stone façade has a 14th Century rose window, a bronze statue of the Madonna, and a door carved with the figures of Christ and his Apostles. The atrium has 14th Century frescoes and the interior has a 5th Century mosaic showing a peacock—a symbol of the Resurrection. Pope John XXIII declared the cathedral to be a minor basilica in 1962.

The top picture is from the cathedral website and others are from Wikipedia.

The Province has four suffragan dioceses.

The Archdiocese of Camerino-San Severino Marche was established as the Diocese of Camerino in the 3rd Century, became an archdiocese in 1787, and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Ascoli Piceno was established in the 4th Century.
The Diocese of Macerata-Tolentino-Recanati-Cingoli-Treia was established in 1320 as the Diocese of Macerata and acquired its current name in 1985.
The Diocese of San Benedetto del Tronto-Ripatransone-Montalto was established as the Diocese of Ripatransone in 1571 and acquired its current name in 1986.

Province of Ancona-Osimo

The province consists of the central portion of the Administrative Region of Marche. The Diocese of Ancona was established in the 3rd Century, became an archdiocese in 1904, and a metropolitan archdiocese in 1972. It acquired its current name in 1986.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Ciriaco (the city’s patron saint) in Ancona is built on a hill and mixes Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic styles. Parts of the Cathedral date to the 6th Century but most of the church was built in the 11th Century. It was enlarged in the 12th and 13th Centuries. The Cathedral was damaged in both world wars, but has been restored. The Cathedral is constructed with white stone with a decoration of Lombard bands. The bell tower dates to the 14th Century. The 13th Century Romanesque and Gothic façade has statues of lions made from Veronese red marble and is preceded by a pink stone porch. The Chapel of the Crucifix contains several figures using sgraffito decoration. The Madonna Chapel contains a venerated 17th Century Madonna. The Cathedral was designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1926.

The top picture is from Flickr and the rest are from Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral of St. Leopardo (the first bishop of the former Diocese of Osimo) in Osimo was built in the 13th Century in a Romanesque style. In less than a century, it was converted to a Gothic style and has been modified several times since then. The Cathedral’s 17th Century baptistery has a notable font and a coffered ceiling. Pope Pius XII designated the church as a minor basilica in 1955.

Both pictures are from Wikipedia.

The Province has four suffragan dioceses.

The Diocese of Senigallia was established in the 6th Century.
The Diocese of Jesi was established in the 6th Century.
The Diocese of Fabriano-Matelica was established as the Diocese of Fabriano in 1728 and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Territorial Prelature of Loreto was established as an apostolic administration in 1507, became a diocese in 1586, once again became an apostolic administration in 1935, and became a territorial prelature in 1965.

Province of Perugia–Città della Pieve

The province consists of most of the Administrative Region of Umbria. The Diocese of Perugia was established in the 2nd Century, became an archdiocese in 1882, and a metropolitan archdiocese in 1972. It acquired its current name in 1986.

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence and St. Herculanus in Perugia was built between 1345 and 1490 using marble and travertine. The Cathedral has a reliquary considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance goldsmiths, the 16th Century painting “Deposition from the Cross” by Federico Barocci, the tomb of Pope Martin IV, and a ring reputed to be the Virgin Mary’s wedding ring.

The first picture is from Flickr and the rest are from Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral of St. Gervasius and St. Protasius is in Citta della Pieve. Most of the current Gothic church dates to the 16th and 17th Centuries. The Co-Cathedral has several 16th Century paintings and other pieces of art.

The first picture is from the Archdiocesan website and the second is from Wikipedia.

The Province has four suffragan dioceses.

The Diocese of Foligno was established in the 1st Century.
The Diocese of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino was established as the Diocese of Assisi in the 3rd Century and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Gubbio was established in the 5th Century.
The Diocese of Citta di Castello was established in the 7th Century.

Province of Pesaro

The province consists of the northern portion of the Administrative Region of Marche. The Diocese of Pesaro was established in the 3rd Century and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 2000.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Pesaro was built in the 5th Century but has been modified over the centuries. Today’s building is primarily neoclassical and Gothic with a plain façade. The interior features beautiful frescos and mosaics featuring not only religious images, but also animal and fanciful creatures. Some of the floor mosaics date at least to the Roman period. The Cathedral has been considered a minor basilica since the early days of Christendom.

Both pictures are fromWikipedia.

The Province has two suffragan dioceses.

The Archdiocese of Urbino-Urbania-Sant’Angelo in Vado was established as the Diocese of Urbino in the 6th Century and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1563. It acquired its current name in 1986 before being demoted to an archdiocese in 2000.

The Diocese of Fano-Fossombrone-Cagli-Pergola was established as the Diocese of Fano in the 1st Century and acquired its current name in 1986 with the suppression of three dioceses.

Definitions

The Catholic Church is mostly divided into ecclesiastical provinces—a province consists of a metropolitan archdiocese and one or more dioceses. The province and the archdiocese are led by an archbishop. Each of the dioceses is called a suffragan diocese and is led by a bishop. Archbishops have some responsibilities for the province, but all bishops answer directly to the Pope. There are also missionary jurisdictions below the level of a diocese, which include apostolic administrations and territorial prelatures. A territorial abbacy is a territory surrounding an abbey or monastery, in which the abbot serves as the bishop.

A basilica is an honorary title bestowed on a church by the Pope because of the church’s antiquity, dignity, historical importance, or significance as a center of worship. Some cathedrals are also basilicas. Each basilica has a ceremonial umbrella in the papal colors of white and yellow and a ceremonial bell. Both of these are symbolic of the Pope’s special relationship to the basilica. There are four major basilicas—all in Rome. There are over 1,800 minor basilicas throughout the world, although over 60 percent are in Italy, France, Poland, Spain, and Germany.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Italy-3

This blog covers eight ecclesiastic provinces in the administrative regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, and Molise in Central and Southern Italy.

See my previous blogs on Italy:

11-6-2019—Italy 1
11-13-2019—Italy 2

Province of Bari-Bitonto

The province consists of the central portion of the Administrative Region of Apulia. The Diocese of Bari was established in 340 and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 530. It acquired its current name in 1986.

The Romanesque Cathedral Basilica of St. Sabinus in Bari was built in the 12th and 13th Centuries on the site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed during a war. It was modeled on the nearby Basilica of St. Nicholas (burial site of the saint). Much of the Cathedral was refurbished in the 18th Century in a Baroque style, but more recent renovations have restored the original Romanesque features. The ancient doors are below a rose window with a lintel carved with monsters and beasts. The dome of the bell tower shows a Moorish influence. The pulpit has been rebuilt using fragments from the 11th and 12th Centuries and the baldachin from 13th Century fragments. The adjacent museum has an 11th Century illustrated liturgical parchment scroll. Pope Pius XII declared the Cathedral to be a minor basilica in 1954.

The first picture is from Pinterest and the others are from Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in Bitonto was built by the Normans in the 12th Century in a Romanesque style. The Cathedral has mosaic floors and a marble pulpit. There are many stone carved pieces, most notably, the marble ambo, which dates to 1229 and is considered a masterpiece of medieval stone carving.

The top picture is from TripAdvisor and the others are from Wikipedia.

The Province has five suffragan dioceses.

The Archdiocese of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie was established as the Diocese of Trani in the 6th Century and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1063. It was demoted to an archdiocese in 1980 and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Conversano-Monopoli was established as the Diocese of Conversano in the 5th Century and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Andria was established in the 11th Century.
The Diocese of Molfetta-Ruvo-Giovinazzo-Terlizzi was established as the Diocese of Molfetta in the 12th Century and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti was established as the territorial prelature of Altamura in 1248 and became the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti in 1986.

Province of Taranto

The province consists of the southwestern portion of the Administrative Region of Apulia. The Diocese of Taranto was established in the 6th Century and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 970.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Cataldo in Taranto was built in the 12th Century and has an 18th Century Baroque façade with carvings of angels and saints—including St. Cataldo. The Cathedral is decorated with frescoes and paintings and has a 10th Century baptismal font. Michelin recommends the Chapel of St. Cataldo (where the early bishop is interred), which is faced with multicolored marble and embellished with 18th Century statues. The Blessed Sacrament chapel is of Baroque design and the crypt features 12th Century frescos. The Cathedral was designated a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Pictures are from Dreamstime, Expedia, and Wikipedia.

The Great Mother of God Co-Cathedral in Taranto is a modern concrete and steel church built in the early 1970s.

Pictures are from Desisare and Pinterest.

The Province has two suffragan dioceses.

The Diocese of Castellaneta was established in 1023.
The Diocese of Oria was established in 1591.

Province of Chieti-Vasto

The province consists of the southeastern portion of the Administrative Region of Abruzzo. The Diocese of Chieti was established in the 6th Century and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1526. It acquired its current name in 1986.

The brick and limestone Cathedral of St. Justin in Chieti was originally built in the 11th Century in a Gothic style, but was rebuilt in a Romanesque style in the 13th Century. The bell tower was completed in 1498 and the façade in 1920. The nave has several paintings and many side chapels. The crypt has several murals and frescoes dating to the 14th Century.

The first picture is from Flickr, the second from Pinterest, and the others from Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Vasto was built in the 13th Century and incorporates both Baroque and neo-Gothic styles. The bell tower dates to 1730 and the stained-glass windows and a triptych of St. Michael date to the 16th Century.

All pictures are from Wikipedia.

The Province has one suffragan diocese.

The Archdiocese of Lanciano-Ortona was established as a diocese in 1515 and was promoted to an archdiocese in 1562 and to a metropolitan archdiocese in 1834. It was demoted to an archdiocese in 1982 and acquired its current name in 1986. The Basilica of St. Thomas the Apostle in Ortona contains the tomb of Thomas.

Province of L’Aquila

The province consists of the western portion of the Administrative Region of Abruzzo. The Diocese of Forcona was created in 1178 and became the Diocese of L’Aquila was established in 1257. This became an archdiocese in 1876 and a metropolitan archdiocese in 1972.

The Cathedral of Saints Maximus and George in L’Aquila was built in the 13th Century, but was destroyed by a 1703 earthquake. The cathedral was restored, but heavily damaged once again by an earthquake in 2009. Restoration is underway and the Basilica of San Guiseppe Artigiano serves as the temporary cathedral. The pictures are of the pre-earthquake cathedral.

Both pictures are from Wikipedia.

The Province has two suffragan dioceses.

The Diocese of Sulmona-Valva was established as the Diocese of Sulmona in the 6th Century and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of Avezzano was established in the 9th Century and acquired its current name in 1986.

Province of Campobasso-Bojano

The province consists of the Administrative Region of Molise. The Diocese of Bojano was established in 1060 and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1976. It acquired its current name in 1982.

The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Campobasso was built in a neoclassical style in 1829 to replace a 16th Century cathedral that was destroyed by an 1805 earthquake.

Pictures are from TripAdvisor and Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral of St. Bartholomew in Bojano was built in the 11th Century, but has been damaged several times by earthquakes and restored. The apse retains a Norman style.

From Wikipedia.

The Province has three suffragan dioceses.

The Diocese of Isernia-Venafro was established as the Diocese of Isernia in the 5th Century and acquired its current name in 1986 with the suppression of the Diocese of Venafro.
The Diocese of Termoli-Larino was established in 940 as the Diocese of Termoli and acquired its current name in 1986 with the suppression of the Diocese of Larino. The Cathedral of the Purification of Mary in Termoli contains the tomb of St. Timothy.
The Diocese of Trivento was established in 940.

Province of Foggia-Bovino

The province consists of the northern portion of the Administrative Region of Apulia. The Diocese of Foggia was established in 1855 and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1979. It acquired its current name in 1986.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven in Foggia (also known as St. Mary of Foggia) was built in a Romanesque style in the 12th Century. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1731 and was restored in a Baroque style. The Cathedral contains an ancient icon of the Madonna of the Seven Veils. Pope Pius VII declared the Cathedral to be a minor basilica in 1806.

The last two pictures are from Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Bovino was destroyed by an earthquake in 1930 and rebuilt in 1936. It was declared a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

The top pictures is from Pinterest and the bottom is from Wikipedia.

The Province has four suffragan dioceses.

The Archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo was established as the Diocese of Siponto in the 3rd Century. This became the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Manfredonia in 1074. It was demoted to an archdiocese in 1979 and acquired its current name in 2002.
The Diocese of Lucera-Troia was established as the Diocese of Lucera in the 4th Century and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Diocese of San Severo was established as the Diocese of Civitate in the 11th Century and acquired its current name in 1580.
The Diocese of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano was established as the Diocese of Ascoli Satriano in the 11th Century and acquired its current name in 1986.

Province of Lecce

The province consists of the southeastern portion of the Administrative Region of Apulia. The Diocese of Lecce was established in 1057 and became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1980.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in Lecce was originally built in 1144, but was rebuilt between 1659 and 1682 in a Baroque style. The Baroque northern façade has statues of Saints Giusto, Fortunato, Orontius, Peter, and Paul. The 18th Century main altar is made of marble and gold-plated bronze and has paintings depicting the Assumption and Old Testament prophets. The interior ceiling has paintings by Giuseppe da Brindisi. The Cathedral also has 12 highly decorated side chapels. The 235-foot bell tower dates to the 17th Century. The 16th Century crypt is held up with 92 columns with capitals adorned with sculpted animals.

The first picture is from Flickr and the rest are from Wikipedia.

The Province has four suffragan dioceses.

The Archdiocese of Brindisi-Ostuni was established as the Diocese of Brindisi in the 4th Century, became a metropolitan archdiocese in the 10th Century, was demoted to an archdiocese in 1980, and acquired its current name in 1986.
The Archdiocese of Otranto was established as a diocese in the 7th Century, became a metropolitan archdiocese in the 11th Century, before once again becoming an archdiocese in 1980.
The Diocese of Ugento-Santa Maria di Leuca was established in the 13th Century as the Diocese of Ugento and acquired its current name in 1959.
The Diocese of Nardo-Gallipoli was established as an abbacy nullius in 1090, became the Diocese of Nardo 1413, and acquired its current name in 1986. (An abbacy nullius is a territory surrounding an abbey or monastery, in which the abbot serves as the bishop.)

Province of Pescara-Penne

The province consists of the northeastern portion of the Administrative Region of Abruzzo. The Diocese of Penne was established in the 5th Century was renamed Penne-Pescara in 1949. This became a metropolitan archdiocese in 1982.

The Cathedral of St. Cetteus in Pescara was built in the 1930s in a Romanesque Revival style to replace a ruined medieval church. The façade has three rose windows and is flanked on one side by the bell tower. The Cathedral has a 17th Century painting of St. Francis thought to be by Guercino.

All pictures are from Wikipedia.

The Co-Cathedral of St. Maximus is in Penne. The Cathedral was built over a 10th Century crypt in an Italian Gothic style. Its campanile is 200 feet high. The Co-Cathedral was heavily damaged in 1944 but was restored.

All pictures are from Wikipedia.

The Province has one suffragan diocese.

The Diocese of Teramo-Atri was established in the 5th Century as the Diocese of Teramo. It acquired its current name in 1986 with the suppression of the Diocese of Atri.