Basilica of San Vitale

It is not uncommon for cathedrals in the Byzantine Empire to be used as status of prosperity and power, rather than being solely places of worship. San Vitale is known for the incredible mosaics that create a focus on Justinian, Theodora, and other political figures which make it more of a glorification of the emperor than a religious building. How much decadence and lavishness is acceptable before the focus of this church becomes more about paying respects to the people in power in the time it was built, rather than giving glory to God? The goal of this paper is to ask the question, and possibly come to the conclusion of whether or not having a cathedral to glorify God was first priority, or was it used by Justinian to show the great power…

In the city of Assisi, which lies at the edge of the Spoleto Valley, there was a man by the name of Francis, who from his most punctual years was raised by his folks glad for soul, as per the vanity of the world; and copying their pitiable life and propensities for quite a while, he turned out to be considerably more vain and pleased These are the pathetic conditions among which the man whom we worship today as a holy person, for he really is a holy person, lived in his childhood; and nearly up…

Perhaps one of the most significant and influential patrons of the Franciscan order was St Clare of Assisi. Though she had noble beginnings she soon turned to a life of humble worship. Her work as a peacemaker and leader make her an ideal role model for the current generation and generations to come. As the main female identity within the Franciscan order, St Clare also opened the pathway of spirituality for other women. St Clare was born in 1193 in Assisi to a rich noble family. She refused…

Saint Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy to Pietro and Pico di Bernadone. His father was a wealthy textile merchant, and had an intense love for all things French. When Pietro returned from a business trip in 1181, he was outraged to find that his wife Pica had named their newborn son Giovanni. He renamed Giovanni to Francesco, or “Frenchy”, which was later shortened to Francis. Saint Francis was baptized at the Cathedral of San Rufino on March 28, 1182 on Easter Vigil on Holy…

Saint Francis of Assisi had created a big impact on today's world, even if they were small things, they would still send shock waves around the world. I believe that Saint Francis of Assisi is a great model for all of us because he teaches that life is not a problem to be solved, but something to be experience and learn from. He impacted the world due to what he has done to make the world a better place. Saint Francis of Assisi was born around the year 1181 in Assisi, duchy of Spoleto,…

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Saint Francis accomplished many great things in his life. He had so many miracles that a biographer said: “of quite an ordinary occurrence” (Guiley). UNFINISHED Saint Francis Xavier was born on April 7th 1506, in the Spanish…

Many people have influencers, whether it be your favourite soccer player or your older siblings, but none of them can compare to the influence of St Francis of Assisi. This influencer was an Italian religious preacher and leader who was born on the c. 1182 Assisi, Umbria, Italy. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals & the environment who could also be viewed as the original Earth Day advocate. Francis' devotion to God was expressed through his love for all of God's creation. St.…

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved and well known saints of the world today. Saint Francis was born on 1181. Saint Francis was born into a wealthy family. Francis later participated in the fourth crusade. Francis obviously wanted more than wealth but to be a noble knight and have power. Most troops from Assisi were butchered but those who were wealthy were to be imprisoned then later ransomed out. After a year in a prison Francis was ransomed out. However the only battle he…

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most recognizable saints in the Catholic faith. The story of his life gives some reason as to why that may be. Saint Francis grew up in France and was named after his home country to reflect his father’s non-religious and business-driven dreams for him. His family consisted of wealthy cloth merchants who catered to his every whim. During his late adolescent years, Francis became attracted to a life of sin, partying often and giving into many vices.…

With Christianity spreading along the Mediterranean, Christina congregations needed buildings to accommodate large number of converts. Constantine, the first Christina emperor decided to build the Basilica of San Peter on the Vatican Hill in Italy Rome in an area that had been formerly a cemetery where according to the traditions Peter was crucified. The principal portion of the Basilica, the nave was very long. Two aisles ran along the side of the nave making it wider. In the west part of the…