The cross that is too big to go into the church. Inside are all 250 Penitents and their banners but this brotherhood, from Vallecrosia in Italy, have already been blessed by the Bishop and now view the service from outside. As it was they had difficulty getting the cross through the medieval archway leading up to the village and the mind boggles as to how they transported it from their village in Italy to Gorbio. It was quite a sight though and enjoyed by everyone.
Interesting dilemma -- show us in the next photo how they managed to get the cross in through the church door.
ReplyDeletecheers,
joanny
Joanny, they didn't! That's the point - they had to stand outside the church door and view the service from outside!
ReplyDeleteWell I"m going to ask the obvious question, why didn't they lower it and turn it on its side and take it in that way?
ReplyDeleteV
Virginia, yes I had the same question. Seemingly because there are 250 plus people in this tiny church there was no room for the cross as well! You are right, it could have got in one its side although it might have been tricky with the christening font and pews that just inside the door. Anyway seemingly it's not possible.
ReplyDeleteWhen they came under the archway earlier that is exactly what they did. Put it on its side.
I'm not sure what to say or think here. What a unique situation!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics.
I like this series very much, Jilly. It's great they got their blessings without getting inside the church. That way their cross blessed anyone nearby, too.
ReplyDeleteJilly:
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same as you and Virginia, that they would go in side ways ..... then later I thought perhaps the church was too small to maneuver -- which now I discover was your point --- I guess they may need to go to a silver smith and have it made into a retractable post that the cross sits on for high adjustments. Just a thought. Odd that it has not happened in the past...
Beautiful photographs though,
joanny
Cheers,
joanny
Joanny, the thing is this particular gathering of Penitents takes place in Gorbio once every ten years. Perhaps the church in Vallecrosia is bigger?
ReplyDeleteTrust the Italians to go over the top!
Great pictures with well written blogs makes a great combination.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up.