Sunday, March 29, 2009

Church Gates

These gates block entry to the Madonna della Pace church. They are opened for mass and in the evening when the priest is around to attend to church business. Before living in Italy I had a romantic and naive idea that churches were always open, ready to welcome the person in the grips of a spiritual crisis. But, no, they have opening and closing hours, too.

7 comments:

amatamari© said...

:-)

You know that through your photos I see the world with new eyes?

I look at the gates, the walls and other details that not seen ...

My thanks both beginner photographer and both personal ...

Maria Verivaki said...

greek churches hardly ever have gates locking people out of them, but the front door is kept locked at any time that a church is left unattended.

this does not apply to the small churches in the countryside, which are more user-friendly - they are usually left unlocked, during the day, so that travellers can come in and ligh a candle at most times of the day.

B SQUARED said...

When I grew up in the Midwest, our churches were open. Then crime and vandalism increased and new locks appeared. Shame! I wouldn't want to test God's patience.

Hilda said...

Unfortunately :(

Very modern-looking gates and lamps.

Rosaria Williams said...

When I lived in Italy, late 40's, 50's, churches were open most of the times. In fact, I could not understand why the American churches were not open as much. I guess safety trumps everything.

Shutterup-Shutterbug said...

Hi Sarretta. I like this shot. I love to shoot lamp posts for some reason. The gate just adds a little more beauty.

Greg Dimitriadis said...

Another great photo!