Page 7 - Italian-American Herald - November 2023

TRADITIONS
ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERALD
NOVEMBER2023 | ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM 7
Torrone dei morti, shaped like coffins, are a popular Neopolitan treat for ognissanti.
point in the square (which is noted on the ground) where the columns disappear and give the impression of one single row.
At the apex of the cathedral’s grand entrance, there are 13 statues which were crafted between 1612 and 1614 by various sculptors. The central figure is Christ the redeemer. With just a quick glance, visitors might think Christ is surrounded by his 12 apostles but that is not the case. To his left is St. John the Baptist and on his right
is St. Andrew. Other saints represented are St. Thaddeus, St. Matthew, St. Phillip, St. Thomas, St. James the Great. St. John the Evangelist, St. James the Less, St. Bartholomew, St. Simon, and St. Matthias.
Today the faithful remain true to the patron saints of their immigrant origins, not just here in the U.S. but across the globe where millions of descendants of Italians now reside. IAH
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the patron saint of workers and St. Jude for lost causes. St. Francis of Assisi is prayed to for the protection of animals.
One of the most majestic tributes to saints in one place are the colonnades of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The two colonnades, which were designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who was appointed “Architect of St Peter’s” in 1629, are made up of four rows of columns and are decorated with 140 statues of various saints which include former popes, martyrs, and other Christian figures. Bernini and his students created these statues over a period of forty years with a design created to signify the welcoming maternal arms of the church.
Visitors who gaze upon this architectural feat may not have more detailed information on the saints who are represented on top of the colonnades but can learn more by visiting St. Peter’s Basilica official website which has a diagram listing the names and areas they are placed.
The colonnades were built with travertine marble from nearby Tivoli and were designed with a very unique feature. The four columns are visible from just about any area of St. Peter’s Square as well as when walking through them. However, there is a specific
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Fave dei morti is a sweet made in several regions at this time of year.
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