In honor of my friend Vincent Titone, the president/chief-organizer of the New York Sicilian Meet-Up group who was laid to rest today, I post a photo of the apse of his favorite church in Sicily, Monreale Cathedral. Christ Pantocrator, the Savor, dominates the temple and gives his blessing in the Greek style: “I am the light of the world. Who follows me will not wander in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Vincent gave so many of us light with his beautiful singing, his long phone calls, his detailed stories, and his passion for sharing Sicily and Italy with us all. He especially loved the history of the Norman kingdom (during which this cathedral was constructed), and we enjoyed discussing our favorite kings: His, Frederick II and mine, Roger II. I will miss our friendship dearly.
Walk into the light Vincent!