Traveling with mostly women, I decided to focus on a subject that warms my heart, that of Santa Lucia.
We started with seeing the Caravaggio, painted in 1608, that recreates the moments surrounding her martyrdom. One of the things that has recently come into focus for me about this painting is the two women grieving. Look closely… I hadn’t seen them so clearly until I saw the recreation of the masterpiece — the new mural on a building next to the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro, where the painting is housed, in Siracusa. Women grieving (especially the Madonna Addolorata) is a timeless and significant theme in Sicily. Alongside it, the story of Santa Lucia’s life and death is one of fortitude and faith. She exemplified power and strength with grace. Her statue, which I’ve only ever seen in photos, was on display in the Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia at the Piazza Duomo (For the annual May observation of her miracle.).
Wow, it is stunning in person! Like fireworks! Silver and gold and regal!
We ate lunch in the Antico Mercato and then went for some Cannolo Terapia (Cannoli Therapy) with the luminary Franco Neri at Pasticceria Alfio Neri.
A rainbow guided us back to Taormina. Only magic!
