Monday, December 8, 2008

Advent Calendar: Roman Door 8

The front door to Ambrit Rome International School. The school where I teach has been in the facilities of the Vigna Pia since 1994. The 42-acre property was originally an agricultural training center established by Pope Pius IX in 1847. During the Italian revolution it was occupied by French troops. In 1859 Pius IX opened the facility as a residential school for young people released from prison. From 1916-1918 the Vigna Pia was operated as an Italian Military Hospital. In 1921 Pope Benedict XV gave the property to the Congregation of the Holy Family of Bergamo who continue to this day to use the Vigna Pia for youth work and parochial activity.

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain: O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold you God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
From Handel's Messian: Part I
Alto Air and Chorus

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