Subiaco, Italy

oil, 20x10"

Five years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy and Germany for two weeks to explore the history of St. Benedict and learn about the monastic order that founded St. John's University.  We stayed in the town of Subiaco, where the very first Benedictine monastery was formed.  The tower at the top of this painting encompasses the cave where Benedict lived as a hermit for three years 1500 years ago.  The structures surrounding the space have been built up over the centuries since.

It was a magical trip with a group that would quickly become dear friends.